There have been many reports about the Novel Coronavirus and the devastating toll it has had on the world. Unexpected deaths have occurred which makes this pandemic more alarming than anticipated. The rapid widespread has begun to affect the economy by closing schools, libraries, sports events, and other venues where large crowds normally gather.

The final outcome of this plague is yet to be determined. With live updates available online and on demand news videos, staying abreast of the Coronavirus’ current status is not hard.

Many employers are making adjustments for their workforces to work from home. While those who hold positions that require technical expertise, employees who have manual labor jobs have to rely on government decisions about securing paid leave packages.

The sudden impact is similar to what many countries such as Venezuela, Africa, and Syria have been dealing with regarding food and economic crisis for many years. While these countries’ dilemma seemed as distant as another planet far away in space, reality has set in particularly when hourly reports reveal affected persons in the same city.

Quarantine orders have been given to combat this culprit thus making the population adjust its mindsets to slow down. Which leads me to ask you this question, if your city is forced to quarantine how will you spend your time?

Will you spend it watching TV, browsing the Internet, or complaining about the shutdown?

Seek Peace and Pursue It

2020 has started off with some shocking events which I predict many people will not be able to resume life as usual. We’re used to hearing voices that send us looking for answers everywhere. If you’re not secure in your faith, worry can lead you to make decisions you’ll later regret. 

Reports indicate that this outbreak will get worse before it gets better. This may be true since numbers of virus victims are declining in China.

While it will be advantageous for us to implement the precautionary measures recommended by the CDC, it will also be beneficial for us to implement spiritual precautionary measures.

Since God has had mercy on us thus far, it is crucial that we seek him for forgiveness and guidance. Throughout the Bible, there were times when the people of God were forced to repent during long-term periods of suffering due to their sin such as worshiping other gods.

The majority of the population is used to traveling frequently whether locally, domestically, or internationally. In the midst of such travel, it’s hard to hear God’s voice telling us to slow down, read your Bible, adjust behavior, or do acts of kindness when we’re rushing.

Unfortunately, suffering can emerge before any of us are prepared. It can force us to be alone when we don’t want to, or be silent when we want to talk.

This shutdown period will take some time to become accustomed to, but if you value your life, you will begin to see the good that can come out of this situation such as spending more time with your family and God.

Psalm 34:14 admonishes us to … “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

This means in the midst of chaotic voices and looming reports, make every effort to find and listen to voices that can give you hope in the midst of sorrow. Seeking peace is a constant process that should not be neglected if you want to survive mentally.

Circumstances may not be ideal particularly if you have to make some adjustments related to your job, housing situation, or other matters, but you have to be proactive in covering your mind and spirit with the Word of God.

Here are a few scriptures you can meditate on and speak out loud to help you get through the day:

Joshua 1:6-9

6. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people Shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9.Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

II Timothy 1:7

For God Hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.

II Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

I encourage you stay focused on the Word of God during this time of uncertainty.

Let God be your strong tower and refuge.

References

Cochrane, Emily and Tankersley, Jim. Here’s What in Congress’s Emergency Coronavirus Bill. The New York Times.

Deabler, Alexandra. Brawl breaks out at Costco, Sams Club amid Coronavirus outbreak tensions. Fox News. 

King James Version Bible

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation.