Are you freaking out with worry over the coronavirus and the weight of it all? You’re not alone. Visit any food market or drug store, and the empty shelves depict a somber picture.
I was at a Walgreens in Virginia, and people were in a panic on aisle No. 5. The latest toilet paper shipment came in, so it became a battleground. People were acting as if tp would be a product of the past. Others joined the chain with carts piled with Charmin — you couldn’t see their eyes over the hoards. I saw women stock up on wine, just in case the end was near. Seriously, she tells me that in line and as she laments about the lack of hand sanitizer.
OMG(osh), fear starts making me feel flush in the face and now I want to go into battle mode. Oh my. Not pretty!
Worry is a continuous struggle for many during this time. The news media, social media and worried friends add to the concern. But many people are becoming increasingly angry, selfish and fighting over bottled water, and paper products. Yes, precaution is needed, and I’m not making light of the virus. As I’m writing this, I’m keeping my kid home from daycare. However, the insanity we are observing in public isn’t charming.
The following Scriptures are great to fight fear along with the power of prayer.
I will keep my mind on Christ
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee (Isaiah 26:3).”
I will not fear
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the only one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).”
No weapon will prosper
Isaiah 54:17 says that no weapon forged “against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
Don’t be timid
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Life or death
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Cast fearful thoughts down
We are told in 2 Corinthians to “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” If we don’t grab toxic thoughts, we fuel anxiety.
-Corine Gatti-Santillo