Peace in the Midst of the Pandemic

Uncertainties in the Pandemic

Pandemic. It is such a strong word that defines our situation today. A couple of weeks prior to the big announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO), people were living their lives normally.

Then everything changed when Covid19 attacked. Streets are now empty; hospitals are full; and the world is waiting. It seems that we are in a state of stillness, our hurried lives set on pause, leaving us with the question, “What’s next?”

The enemy creeps in and takes the form of fear, panic, and worry. Meanwhile, the Spirit of God is moving in with the spirit of faith, praise, and worship. While all of these are taking place, the thief (John 10:10) comes to steal something in the hearts of the believers—we are slowly being robbed of our peace.

“When will this end?”

“Will I have enough?”

“How many more will die?”

“Is this the end?“

All of these questions are shaking us to the core and removing the peace in our hearts.

So how can we experience peace in the midst of a pandemic?

HOW TO FIND PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC

If we are ever to find peace in these troubling times, then we need to find it from the source that never runs out (John 14:27). It must be found in or someone that is in control, never surprised; someone who has seen the end from the beginning (Revelation 22:33, Psalm 90:2, Job 36:26).

I love this verse from the Book of Matthew. It states that God’s Word is our sure foundation in everything:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:24 – 27

This text just wonderfully reminds us that Jesus is the sure foundation of our lives. That alone can bring a tremendous amount of peace in our hearts. It also gives us a real picture of our situation. Rains, floods, and winds can destroy everything we hold dear, yet as Christ is our Rock, we will never be moved.

This is the power of the Gospel—when Christ died for us and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1 – 4), He broke the chains and restored our relationship with God, leading us to reconciliation. That is how we can have access to everlasting peace.

However, this victory that Jesus did on the cross is not only a truth to be known, but a truth to stand on.

In Ephesians 6:15, the Apostle Paul mentions the Gospel of peace as shoes fitted for warfare. The shoes the Romans wore had spikes so that their footing was secured. That is how the Gospel of peace can make us secure at this time. Having the peace of God will allow us to stand firm and not lose to the attack of panic, worry, and fear.

Standing on the gospel of peace involves three (3) things:

• Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6a)
  The word anxiety in Greek is translated as “merimnate” which means to be pulled in different directions. This is what happens when we are anxious, thereby removing the peace in our hearts. That is why the reminder to be ANXIOUS for NOTHING is so powerful today. There is no exemption here; every concern and every worry should be lifted up to the Lord because He takes care of us. Seek Him first. (Matthew 6:25 – 34)
• Pray and give thanks for everything (Philippians 4:6b)
  On a positive note, we can battle our anxiety with 2 weapons that aren’t carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4 – 5). We start this by bending our knees in prayer. Prayer works wonders. It gives our spirit the rest and assurance we need that Father, who is in Heaven, is hearing our pleas and that the Holy Spirit will comfort us. It also talks about giving thanks in every prayer. That’s because if all we ever do in prayer is ask and not give thanks, then we will always be anxious and be in a mindset of lack.
• Think about godly things (Philippians 4:8)
  The battle for peace starts with the mind. That is why we need to think about what is true, lovely, honorable, and admirable. This is a very practical and Biblical step in overcoming anxiety and replacing our worries with peace. Avoid fake news, read about the promises of God, think of good things. This will surely help you stay sane and stay peaceful in this quarantine period.

True peace is found in none other than God and the Gospel. May you be filled with the peace of God, and may the God of peace be in your midst.

Remember this: If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it (Anon).

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you “
– 2 Thessalonians 3:16