Focus on God not COVID19
With the current worldwide COVID19 pandemic, all over the internet and the television is bad news; stories of collapsing economies and collapsing people, statistics and death toll figures that all seem to be saying the same thing – all is not well. Stories of businesses failing, people struggling to feed and support themselves and on and on it goes. At a time like this it is very easy to get caught up in all the negative reports, to let them slowly seep into your mind and fill you with worry and fear. Especially when it seems like everywhere you look the situation seems to be screaming that there is no hope. But I am here to tell you that there is hope, and all is well.
God has not forsaken or left us (Deuteronomy 31:9) – this is what we must remember as we move forward during these uncertain times. We must focus on God and not on COVID19. We must meditate on His good news and life and not on the bad news and death.
Don’t Meditate on Death
I am aware that reports and information on COVID19 are everywhere, but that does not mean you need to be sitting in front of the TV everyday filling your mind with all the death and doom that comes along with those reports. It does not mean that you need to be talking about it in every conversation you have. It does not mean you have to be posting about it on all your stories and statuses. “But COVID19 is something that is happening in our lives. I can’t just live under a rock and pretend it doesn’t exist!” you might argue, but I am not asking you to do that. What I am saying is that by doing all the things I have mentioned above you are constantly thinking about the bad news; about death, and meditating on it. It will be no wonder that you will find yourself feeling anxious and stressed. In Romans 8:5-6 says
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on things of the spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
By focusing so much on COVID19 you are setting your mind on carnal and fleshly problems and the result of that is death, the death of your joy and peace of mind. You need to shift your gaze and focus on things that will give you life and peace.
“Well, how do I do that?” you ask. Well, you can be spiritually minded like it calls us to do in Romans and focus on God instead.
Focus on God
When you focus on God what you are essentially doing is magnifying Him above all else. God is awesome, He can do great things and His name is above all names, including the named COVID19, as Christians it is important that our actions line up with this truth. If you are spending more time with COVID19 news than God, you know what you are really magnifying.
So, to ensure that you are not glorifying Corona, instead of spending large portions of your time on COVID19 news, you could limit yourself to listening only to the addresses and news reports that are vital. Instead of spending the whole day with COVID19 news on play, spend a few hours. Instead of posting COVID19 themed statuses and stories, post something positive, an encouraging Bible verse for example. Instead of talking about COVID19, fill your conversation with hopeful and positive words.
Pick up your Bible and read verses like Psalm 37:39 and Psalm 118:17 that declare that God is our strength in troubles time and that we will not die but live. Listen to uplifting sermons, podcasts and music that remind you of what God is doing and not what Corona is doing. By doing this you will be focusing on God and you will be filled with peace (Isaiah 26:3) and you will be glorifying God above this disease.
All Things Work Together
Finally, you must remember that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28). Even during this COVID19 God is working things together for your good, all you need to do is open your eyes and see His goodness. There is light at the end of every tunnel, a silver lining in every dark cloud but you won’t see either if you are looking down at the train track or the ground. Shift your gaze and look to God and you will see His light and His glory.
God has already done so much for you. The fact that you are alive and able to read this is a blessing in itself. Now what about all the other ways that God has blessed you and taken care of you? Look for those times and count them, remembering that God loves you and He will see you through these hard times. Just trust in Him and He will take care of you.
