faith and fear

Fear is a dangerous thing--partly because it's so sneaky. It creeps in through the weak spots and quickly spreads; wrapping its tendrils around everything and choking out all rational thought. So often, we get sucked into the hysteria and the chaos around us and the fear spreads.

Right now, fear and hysteria are spreading like wildfires. The media is feed our fears--and feeding off of our fears. As a result, fear is becoming so widespread that it's taking over every aspect of life. People aren't making rational decisions (stocking up on toilet paper for an overwhelmingly mild respiratory virus?). College athletes who have realized life-long dreams of making it to the national tournament are now being told they won't be playing. Entire schools, cities, and countries are going into lockdown.

So what are we supposed to do? In the face of such widespread panic, how are followers of Christ supposed to react?

First, let me say that the science available on this virus doesn't back up the mass hysteria. The vast majority of people who contract the virus have such mild symptoms that they don't seek medical help. Yes, the mortality rate seems high--somewhere between 2-3%--but that is only based on the number of confirmed cases. For a little bit of clarity, as of the time I'm writing this we have more than 1,000 times more people who have died from this season's flu in the United States (and millions more cases) than Covid-19. Please stop fanning the fires of panic by demanding that things shut down and life as we know it come to an end...

Despite the science, people are in a panic. In my opinion, the biggest reason is the fear and sensationalism of something new and unknown. That means there's a significant level of ignorance surrounding this virus, and with ignorance comes fear. It's like a breeding ground for it and I would argue that it's the reason for a lot of the chaos and hatred in the world. Ignorance is a dangerous weapon.

That said, I understand that there really are things in life that induce fear. Sometimes that fear is rational and sometimes it isn't, but in either case it's still there. So how do we handle fear? I'm sure you've heard that there's a verse in the Bible for every day of the year telling us not to fear. I'll be honest, though--if that's where those verses ended I don't think they would do any good. I'm not a fan of being told, "Do this," or, "Don't do that." I'm definitely one of those who bulls up when rules are simply dictated without any background or reasoning. In my mind, "Don't be scared," ranks right up there with, "Just calm down." Both make my frustration go through the roof.

But those verses? They don't just demand that we not be afraid and then stop right there. Instead they go on to add the most important part:

"Be strong and brave, and don't tremble in fear of them,
because the Eternal your God is going with you.
He'll never fear or abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

"We can be strong and courageous

because of the One who fights with us."

2 Chronicles 32:7a

"This is My command: be strong and courageous.

Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God,

the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

We are told not to be afraid, but it's for one very simple reason: the Creator of the universe has promised never to abandon us. He doesn't walk away during the hard times. In fact, He promises that He's so close to us that we can rest in His shadow. He's there through the storms and fires of life, no matter how things look or how chaotic the world becomes. Because the creation can't change the nature of the Creator. This chaos of the world has no impact on the steadfast nature of God, the One who told Moses to call Him "I AM."

So in those moments when life does get crazy and it seems like the entire world is spinning out of control, remember that He is there beside you.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for He who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:23