As we prepare to cross the 1-year mark of dealing with Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/ Covid-19) in the US there is still much uncertainty about what the future holds. Many looked to 2021 as a return to normal, but it looks as if we will be dealing with Coronavirus for a little bit longer. This has heightened the natural fear and anxiety that we feel. Every day we are faced with new challenges and decisions to make. How can we deal with fear and anxiety of Coronavirus in a God honoring way?
Common Questions:
Is it safe to gather with friends and family? My parents are elderly, how do I protect them? Is it safe to go outside of my apartment? If I get sick, who will take care of me? Is the vaccine safe, should I get the vaccine? I was exposed to Covid, what do I do? I’m starting to feel sick, should I get tested or is it just in my head? I don’t want to lose my loved ones to Covid. The Covid cases are high right now, is it safe to go to church? If I am commanded to share the Gospel and love my neighbor, how can I do this safely? I can’t stop watching the Coronavirus tracker. When will I be able to travel again? Will I lose my job because of shutdowns? When will I be able to eat inside my favorite restaurant? Will I ever be able to hug my friends and loved ones?
What is Fear and Anxiety
Anxiety is a whole-person response of nervousness, worry, or unease to a perceived danger or uncertain outcome. Fear is similar to anxiety in that it is a whole-person response of terror, freight, or trepidation to a perceived danger or undesirable outcome. There is much overlap between these two terms, and they may be used interchangeably.
Fear is a natural feeling; it is not a learned behavior but is something we all experience. Most of these feelings are part of our God given desire to preserve our lives and protect those that we love (Ephesians 5:29). Just like our reflex that pulls our hand away when touching a hot stove, fear and anxiety helps to alert us to the presence of danger. It alerts us when something is wrong or may go wrong. It is a good gift that God has given us; but any good thing that becomes too great in our lives becomes an inordinate desire or sinful desire.
Effects of Fear and Anxiety
When we experience fear and anxiety, it is a whole-person response. It affects the outer man as the cares of the world wear down the health of the body (Luke 21:34). Our hearts beat faster, we become sick to our stomachs, breathing becomes difficult, and our decisions and behaviors are impacted. Fear is a response to a perceived danger or uncertain/undesirable outcome. It is perceived because we all see fear in different ways. What is dangerous to one person my seem perfectly acceptable to another. Some have a heightened sense of fear and see danger and uncertainty at every turn.
Anxiety in the inner man is similar to (and may accompany) depression in that it is a constant focusing on a perceived problem, whether real or imagined. Those who are prone to anxiety tend to over-analyze situations to find all the ways they could go wrong which reinforces their fears. Most of the time, the fears they find are real risks. An anxious person is likely able to point out all of the risks of a given situation. However, they are often unable to accurately take into account the likelihood of a risk. In the case of Coronavirus, one may rightly see all of the ways that you can catch Covid; direct touch, close proximity, cough, ect. But the likelihood of such events frequently can be greatly reduced or mitigated, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and use of technology. The anxiety that is felt about a future event is frequently worse than the potential danger or undesirable outcome. The anxious person has a worse success rate that a Texan weatherman. They may call for thunderstorms and tornado warnings, only for it to be sunny with a high of 75. Much time is squandered worrying about the future (Matthew 6:27).
Self-Reliance
Unrestrained anxiety and fear result in a misplaced trust and an idolatry of self. It is a voice saying, “I have to look out for myself and ensure nothing bad happens to those I love.” Anxiety leads to sin when it is rooted in a distrust in the sovereign care of the Lord. It robs our present and puts our time, energy, emotions, and focus on events that may or may not happen. We sacrifice time with our loved ones or serving the Lord in order to anticipate the many ways things may go wrong.
A Right Relationship with Fear and Anxiety
Fear is meant to point our hearts towards the one who does control all things. We fear losing the things we value the most. We must realize that suffering and tragedies will happen even with all the precautions in the world. Friends get hurt in car accidents. Family members succumb to sicknesses. Friendships break apart. We live in a broken world. Because of the Fall (Genesis 3), the world is under the curse of sin and bad things happen that is out of our control. The absence of fear is not the goal; instead, we must rightly order fear.
Scripture mainly talks of fear and anxiety in commands not to be fearful or anxious but rather, trust in the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). A constant refrain in Scripture is the command to not to fear or not to be anxious (Joshua 1:9). I believe this is repeated so much because we are prone to take our eyes off of the sovereign Lord. These commands are not just Scripture’s way of saying get over your fears. The Lord tells us “do not fear” because he is with us (Isaiah 41:13). He will protect us. He will bring about good in the midst of brokenness. Fear is an invitation into deeper trust in the Lord.
Greater Trust
Scripture encourages us to make our requests known to the one that can truly give the safety and security we desire (Philippians 4:6). We are called to trust that “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This doesn’t mean that we are promised prosperity and comfort in this life. We are called to suffer as Christ suffered (Romans 8:17) but he will use our suffering to bring about our growth in sanctification and to give glory to God! We must not be tempted to make everything about us and our temporal good. Sometimes, it takes a lifetime before we understand why God allowed a particular event to happen; other times He never reveals why.
God is the only one that can cast out fear, this is accomplished by daily placing your trust in him to protect and comfort. God is a God of love and 1 John 4:18 reminds us that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. God provides even for the birds and lilies of the field, how much more valuable are you (Matthew 6:26, 30)? I encourage you to see yourself as valuable and important to the Lord. Your fears are not unimportant, but they are also not of greatest importance. We must rightly see fear and anxiety as desires for good and protection; but not let them become disordered or controlling. Take reasonable risks and precautions then surrender the rest to the Lord in prayer and supplication.
Are you struggling with fear and/or anxiety; How can this draw you into deep relationship with God?
Who have you confessed these thoughts to? Do you have a Christian community that is walking with you in this season? Have you reached out to a local Biblical Counselor or your church leadership for help?