BEST thing I have read on this topic.
While I have struggled with fear of the new virus,
I see that the same things I have learned about worry and fear are still true.
Here's a few things I have learned...
1. Don't get stuck in your fear. Acknowledge it, do what you need to do to deal with it,
don't ignore it but don't get stuck in it.
2. God will help us when we are afraid. Christ's peace is here for us NOW.
3. I often cycle through fear - sometimes overwhelmed - sometimes peaceful. I accept my weaknesses, don't shame myself for them but also be honest with them to God
and admit them.
4. With God's help, I can regain peace within myself.... it cannot be said enough....
... with God's help, I can be given a peaceful heart in the midst of unrest
caused by the virus and the fear that many have.
(And again, if I lose this peace, I can, with God's help, regain it again).
It is so comforting and instructive at the same time!
I have quoted sections below and thank Gretchen-Joanna for posting
"The Church of Christ has endured through many centuries — in the course of which she has been confronted with countless illnesses and diseases, small and great — in solid faith and with peaceful hearts, each member of the Church knowing that he or she is part of no worldly or man-made institution, but the Harbour of Life that is Christ’s Body. We are fed the food not of men but of angels; we are inspired by the truth, not of this world, but of God Himself; and we are ruled, not by worldly fear which grows and begets more fear, but by the peace of Christ which surpasseth all understanding (Philippians 4.7) and brings unfailing comfort, whether in times of peace or peril. In the present moment, therefore, I urge you to be not afraid (Isaiah 43.1) nor let the concerns of the moment shake you from the firm foundation that is unhindered faith in the living God, Who heals the sick and restores the broken-hearted. The present situation may be a cause of great upset in the world around us, but in the Church, and in our Christian lives, we continue unhindered and undeterred in all that God has delivered into our hands for the salvation of our souls...."
"In our churches, we shall continue with the celebration of all our rites, customs, Divine Services and above all the offering and receipt of the Holy Mysteries in precisely the same manner as we have always done. No genuinely believing Christian can for one moment accept that the Holy Mysteries might bring or be the source of sickness or ill-health: by no means! The Mysteries of Christ are the true medicine of our souls and bodies, and bring nothing but life — and life eternal. Any whose hearts are troubled by present matters should pray fervently for an increase of faith so that fear can be cast aside; and the Church will continue her ancient witness to the love that is beyond fear, bringing the Holy Mysteries to the world, and to each of us, in a time when it needs them profoundly.
Do not be afraid! As we sing so frequently in these Lenten days, God is with us! And He is merciful and loving, quick to hear and heal and save."
found here.
4 comments:
A wonderful piece to read and dwell on.
Good words! :)
Hello Elizabeth, Wise words. I may borrow some of them to pass on. We have been in the midst of some of that panic as we live about 25 miles from the epicenter of the virus in Washington. It's a scary time for many but we know the Lord still holds us in the palm of his hand.
Elizabeth, it really is!
Lisa, yes!
Gloriade, I did not realize you lived in WA! God bless and protect you all! YES!!! God still holds YOU and all of us in His loving hands!
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