Several years ago, when my region of the U.S. was facing a major storm, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Be prepared, but don’t be scared.” This strategy helped me and my family to get through a very difficult time amazingly well. Today, with the Coronavirus spreading throughout my nation and around the world, the Lord has given me the same warning, and I am passing it on to you.

The verses above from Psalm 112 reveal that those who “fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands” can live joyful, peaceful lives in the midst of turmoil. “They do NOT fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless” when facing adversities that would make most people crumble. And they “can face their foes triumphantly,” because even the devil himself cannot make them tremble or doubt their God.

I just read this morning that “Coronavirus fears are creating consumer product shortages.” What’s interesting is that it is not the virus itself that is creating shortages, but the FEAR of this disease that is creating problems. So I have been thanking and praising God for His promise which states, “He has given food and provision to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever and imprint it [on His mind].” (Psalm 111:5 AMP) I am determined to remain “provision-minded” during this crisis, instead of “shortage-minded.” That doesn’t mean that I am not going to take the necessary precautions, but that I refuse to become fearful and fretful. Fear can make it difficult for us to hear from God, and to receive from Him. Satan knows this, so he works overtime trying to get us into a state of panic. Then we will be poor witnesses for Christ, and we will do more harm than good for His Kingdom.

Psalm 33 says: “The Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.” (v. 18-19 NLT) Hallelujah! Notice that every single one of the divine promises I have mentioned here is meant only for those who fear God and obey His Word. Perhaps you haven’t been living a truly surrendered life before the Lord. These are dangerous times, and I urge you not to wait another moment to surrender every area of your life to God for real. Humble yourself before Him right now, and lay hold of the divine protection and provision that are reserved for His most faithful ones in Christ!

Prayer: Lord, fill me with a reverence and respect for You and Your Word that will enable me to lay hold of Your “exceedingly great and precious promises” all the rest of my days on this earth. (2 Peter 1:4 NKJV) Deliver me from all my fears, and remind me often that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. (Psalm 34:4 NIV; 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) Show me how to pray the prayers of Your heart for Your saints and the lost of this world, especially in these troubled times. Thank You that as I confidently trust You to take care of me, I can face every adversity fearlessly and triumphantly!