There is a global pandemic of fear, and most of the world has shut down. Its citizens find themselves locked up in invisible prison cells of a worldwide quarantine (unless you are an elite sportsperson or a member of the elite).

Here in Ireland, we hear the murmurings of a 4th wave. The 4th wave of fear will drive more and more into a deeper depression, the 4th wave of increased anxiety, the 4th wave of many cancer patients being overlooked amongst others. The 4th wave of fear will terrorise the hearts and minds of people, especially the vulnerable. This fear is more deadly than the virus itself and is perpetrated by the media globally.

The Prince of Darkness looks for every chance to exploit any event to bring fear into the hearts of people. And as faith-filled believers, we must not fear trusting this important biblical promise, “God causes all things to work together for good [eternal good] to those who love God, to those who are called according to His [holy] purpose” (Romans 8:28). Throughout the bible, it was foretold that conditions on earth would become increasingly unstable and extremely terrifying, “for it will be a time of great suffering, such as never has been from the beginning of the world till now, and assuredly never will be again” (Matthew 24:21).

This world is under rising judgments, and to the level that you place your hope in this world, your faith will be beaten and broken because it is in the wrong place. Jesus said, “when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). “, I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world [and its fearful and increasingly dreadful events]” (John 16:33). Fear is the hollow enemy of our faith, and victory is found through our faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith keeps our focus “not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We are to “walk by faith” and “not by sight” during our brief pilgrimage on earth (2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7). It is written, “without faith, it is impossible to please God” and “if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all [we will fall into fear]” (Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 7:9).

Jesus asks us, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40) If our expectations and needs are to be with Jesus, then nothing that happens on earth will be able to take us away from our safe place of faith in Jesus’s sheltering power and the promises of the bible.

So in the midst of this global pandemic of fear and “social distancing”, we can be sure that God will never leave or forsake us.

Let us be comforted by His words, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God”.

If you would like me to pray for you, please post it in the comments section.