By David Phillips
“Who was that masked man?”
I know many of you reading this are too young to remember those early commercials for The Lone Ranger on radio and TV. Anyway, just going to Walmart now has taken the appeal right out of that line. At least we are still allowed to go to Walmart, mask or no mask, that’s something to be thankful for. I really feel for those businesses that are NOT Walmart, who are close to being sidelined right out of business.
Am I worried about all this? It’s a little bit hard not to be. If worried means legitimately concerned, you bet I am. I’m concerned because I don’t like to see anyone sick, suffering or dying. I’m concerned because it has made a great disruption of fellowship and worship among God’s people. I’m concerned because this situation has millions of people suddenly out of work and struggling to make ends meet. Not to mention the untold damage it is doing to our nation’s economy, there are a hundred other reasons for our being legitimately concerned about this entire COVID-19 situation.
But I’m not worried, in the Biblical sense of the word. Several times God’s word instructs us do not worry… take no thought… do not be anxious. The term most commonly used is a term which means distracting care. When circumstances are allowed to produce distracting cares, they sour our joy, they hamstring our faith, they derail our devotion. If we are anxious and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41), that condition becomes a distraction that takes our energy and purpose away from the things the Lord wants us to do. Worry is not only a distracting hindrance; it is an unproductive activity. It accomplishes nothing positive. Jesus asked the question in Matthew 6:27, Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? In other words, worry is a waste of time and effort. Added to that, the additional stress and pressure have negative effects on our physical and mental health, and reduce our positive influence.
So how can we properly deal with this mess our lives have been saddled with? What’s the right attitude to have toward it and how do we keep it from becoming more of a disruption than it has to be?
- Be realistic. It certainly won’t do any good to pretend that all this is not real. Part of taking a realistic approach is thoughtfully considering and planning so the things we are able to do can be carried out effectively.
- Be positive. A negative, pessimistic outlook will make isolation easier, that’s for sure. No one will want to be around us. But a hopeful attitude that is rooted in our faith in God will not only be more fulfilling to ourselves, but will also be better for those around us who need our encouragement and influence.
- Don’t worry. Remember, worry distracts us from what we need to be doing, and time spent worrying is time wasted. Worry doesn’t solve problems; worry immobilizes us.
- Embrace the peace of God. Give heed to Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Concentrate on the right things. The next verse in that same passage makes all the sense in the world. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Don’t worry. Pray, pray, pray. Fill your thoughts with the right stuff.
Good news, the Lord’s Day is right around the corner. Anticipate it, prepare for it, and then be sure to spend it in a way that will glorify God.