The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world into a panic mode. Since World War 2, it is doubtful if anything has ever brought the world to her knees like COVID-19. The nightmare and stress caused by this pandemic are unprecedented. Globally over 425,000 have been infected with the virus with over 19,000 people dead. While America has recorded 45,000 infections with about 800 deaths. Advanced nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, have been under lockdown due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 is one virus that does not discriminate between Kings, rulers, politicians and the common man. Everyone is vulnerable and none is spared. The mere thought of these facts instills fear into many Nigerians who feel so vulnerable and helpless. Fear and anxiety are aggravated as one reason that if the advanced nations with all their technological prowess and resources find it difficult to overcome COVID-19, what would happen to a Third World country like Nigeria?
In times like this, Satan uses the weapons of panic, fear and death to intimidate and scare people. Even more scary to imagine are the economic consequences and impact of Coronavirus on personal income and employment in our country. However, against the pervading fear and anxiety, is the hope which the word of God gives us. The Bible states that we can have freedom from fear, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).
While COVID-19 invokes all kinds of fear in many; the fear of death, the fear of losing our family members, the fear of survival, the fear of losing our businesses and jobs, the fear of the future, the Bible provides us with limitless resources to conquer the intimidations of fear. The antidote to fear is faith in God, confessing the word of God, prayer, hope and the pleading of the blood of Jesus. These tools have always worked for generations, especially during uncertain times like now.
David’s declarations of faith in the Psalms comes like the ray of light against the palpable darkness generated by COVID-19.
He declares, “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears” (Psalms 34:4 NKJV).
Again he declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.” (Psalms 27:1-3 NKJV).
Then in Psalm 91:3-4 he says, “For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection”
Against the spirit of death, he further declares. “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah” (Psalms 49:15 NKJV).
And in Psalm 118:17, he declares, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (Psalms 118:17 NKJV).
Such bold declarations should be our daily weapon against the Satanic tirade of fear, anxiety and mental threats. We must bear in mind that what we believe and confess matter (Numbers 14:28; Mt.12:37).
This is a time we must constantly read the Bible, fast and pray so as to remain strong in the Lord.
Contact: pastoracukachi@gmail.com
