Scientists have discovered that in photographing a black hole, which we can now do, it is possible to glimpse the entire universe bent into bands around it. Here on our tiny little planet earth, a black hole of despair has gripped our hearts in the form of a novel virus that is breaking out all over the world, and no one has any immunity against it. Yet around this black hole are bands of hope and glimpses of the kingdom of God that is greater than death and disease.
There is plenty of doom and gloom in the prognosis each day as cases and deaths mount. How long will this last? We don’t know. How bad will it get? We don’t know that either, except that it’s already pretty bad. So the big question is, “What do we do with the fear?”
Fear is not necessarily a bad thing. Fear performs a useful function. If you have a fear of heights, it should make you step away from the edge of the Grand Canyon if you should get too close. It would also keep you from doing something foolish like climbing over the protective railing just to see how close to the edge you could get.
In the same way, fear of contracting the coronavirus should keep us all following the suggested guidelines like social distancing and staying home except for absolutely essential trips outside the house. Maintaining safe practices is a way of not only protecting ourselves, but of caring for others so that we don’t become an unknowing carrier.
So when is fear not a good thing? When it rules you. When it overwhelms your ability to think rationally. When it freezes you. Fear is not good when it replaces our faith. Guard your heart so that fear is never bigger than faith. Peter says to not be frightened, “but in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:15) As long as Jesus fills our hearts, we will not be overcome with fear. Fear and Christ cannot fill the same heart because, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” (1 John 4:18)
So fear is good in its proper place as a means of being safe and caring for others. Just don’t let it rule your heart. And when it threatens to, turn your thoughts to Jesus. Worship Him. Set Him apart in your heart so there is no one and nothing greater than Him. Let Him fill your all in all and quiet your heart. He is your Lord and King. He will never leave you or forsake you. You are with Him now, and you will be with Him forever — never to be separated.
So what is the worst that could happen to you or me in this pandemic? We could get sick and die. So? Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Sounds like it’s Christ either way.
The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
John Fischer The Catch 
Great message for right now. Love the balance between good fear (staying alert and not taking foolish risks that hurt ourselves and others) and bad fear that paralyzes us (keeping us from hoping, loving and exercising our faith.) To live is Christ YES! & to die is gain. Let’s get busy living (reference to Shaw Shank Redemption) the best we can right now in the present. Not being foolish, but putting our faith into action in any way we can. Peace
Thanks, Bob. You put it all together here!
Counter the doom and gloom with the Marsh family from Faversham, Kent, U.K.
One more day to a new beginning…
Be blessed, be a blessing, be of good cheer!
Shalom, Peace…
🙂
Seen this the other day and LMAO Thx 4 posting it brother Bob! Appreciate it & you!
My pleasure and JOY, Mark!
It is both funny and fun and especially needed in today’s climate.
By the way, did you happen to see my reply to you the other day revealing the answer to last weeks riddle?
🙂
Yes Bob I did see the answer to the riddle – What’s his name – What, LOL
I have to admit I’m wavering between the good fear and the bad fear; trying to stay sane while exercising common sense. Our usual morning is a walk along the Lagoon with our pup. We have stuck with it for two main reasons; the mental and physical stimulation an 8 month old German Shepherd requires, and the fact that there is shade to walk in and take rest/drink stops for him (today it was 92 deg. in southern Fl.!). Today God affirmed my decision to walk there. I helped a woman (Susan) work on socializing her adopted dog so he isn’t dog-aggressive. Susan has stage 4 cancer, given 3-5 years to live. It has been 2 1/2 years since then. I hope I helped her to begin regaining her sense of self so she can be the leader her little Pom needs. She has a goal and purpose now because she wants to do right by her little guy. I shared with her the reason for my Jerry’s name…Jeremiah 29:11. She also got a kick out of this: Jerry, short for Jeremiah, short for ‘Jeremiah Ain’t No Bullfrog’, his formal AKC name.
Absolutely loved reading your post, Sandie! Great verse Jeremiah 29:11 when a Church secretary once gave me a piece of paper w/ that verse quoted it brought tears to my eyes…
Plz consider maybe mentioning to Susan she will be in my thoughts & prayers….
PS plus the Three Dog Night Song Jeremiah was a bullfrog was one of mine & my buddies favorite singing out loud while walking to Junior High School… hee hee
Great Catch Pastor John, I loved it!
Learned this from my Amway Biz: FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
Thank you! Amazing how God has me read this just when I need it most!