23/03/2020
Eyes and ears are all focused on the COVID-19 pandemic local updates. Social media feeds bombard us with increasing statistics of people affected. What with the depressing updates we see in the news, read in the internet, or catch from many other social media platforms, worry and panic are common responses. After all, the dreaded virus is a clear and present danger which spreads and infects people everywhere. It does look like a battlefield out there and governments around the world are fighting an unseen but formidable enemy.
At such a time as this, what can we do?
1. Practice Unceasing Prayer
“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.” (Philippians 4:6, GNT)
The virus is real and so is our GOD. He is a compassionate Father who sees and feels with us. He is also a prayer away. In 2 Kings 20:5 He said, “I have heard your prayers. I have seen your tears. I will heal you.” The COVID 19 havoc is a good time to level up on our talks with Him. Surely, He will listen to us when we pour out our concerns to Him. Let us put our faith into practice. Let us pray for the people around us and to seek for God’s purposes in all these things. We need not be anxious because God knows what we need and He will act as the Provider that He is. He has got our lives covered.
2. Practice Peace
“And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, GNT)
As we learn to lift up our burdens, fears, and worries to God, let us also learn to practice His peace. A peaceful heart is an immediate result of a trusting heart to a loving God. Surely, we may not completely understand everything about the current situation of our country and the whole world. Our minds are filled with questions upon questions. The Word of God reminds us that we do not need to understand everything. The Bible assures us that when we submit our cares and worries to God, and rest on the image of the good and loving Father that He is, peace will overtake our hearts. He has got our hearts covered!
3. Practice Positivity
“In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9, GNT)
Let our faith overcome our fears. Instead of the plague news that discourages and disables us, let us fill our minds with praiseworthy things. What are these? First, we focus on the reality of who our God is. He is Creator and He is supreme above all other things. As we allow God to work out His will and purposes in this situation, we remember the second one – work out a way to extend the reality of our God to others in need of the same assurance. Our thoughts define our actions. Let us practice the command to think only of things that deserve praise. Once we do, we spread hope to those around us. The hope that says, we are God’s light and we will never succumb to the disease which lurks in darkness!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I am called to be faithful and faith-filled at such a time as this. May my thoughts, words, and actions always reflect the good God whom I love and cherish. I pray that my life will be a light and testimony to others in need of God’s amazing grace. Amen.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Nora G. Lucero
PBS General Secretary
