Fear Not: A Response to COVID-19

Therefore, we shall not fear

We are living in an unprecedented time of crisis for our generation. The health risks of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties resulting from this pandemic have affected not only our community, but the whole world. Feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety are (understandably) on the rise.

But while we should all be cautious and concerned, Psalm 46 shows us that we do not have to live in debilitating anxiety or fear.

The protection of God

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

—Psalm 46:1-3

This psalm uses vivid, concrete images to teach us about God. God is our refuge. What is a refuge? A refuge is a symbol of strength, a place in which to hide from danger and find shelter. Verse 7 of the Psalm adds another image: “the God of Jacob is our fortress.” A fortress is a fortified castle: a secure place of protection from storms and enemies.

These word-pictures show us that God is unmatchable in his strength, unparalleled in his power, and that he leverages all of his power and strength to help and protect his people. “Therefore,” the psalmist says, “we will not fear,” even when everything around us seems to be falling apart. “Though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” We need to understand that in the Hebrew mind the sea represented the forces of evil, of disorder, and of chaos. So here’s the scene that the psalmist envisions. He’s thinking of a situation where the most secure and stable things in his life, his family, and his nation are being overwhelmed and swallowed up by utter chaos. But even then, he says, we can trust in God’s protection.

The providence of God

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.”

—Psalm 46:4-5

The word “providence” refers to God’s sovereign rule over all things, including the circumstances in our lives. It means that God is in control.

These verses remind us of the providence of God in a subtle, but powerful way. Verse 4 speaks of “a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” The city of God was Jerusalem—but there is no river running through Jerusalem. Why, then, does he mention a river? We get the answer by going back to verses 2-3, with its waters of chaos in the raging, swelling sea. The psalmist is showing us that the threatening waters have now been restrained and subdued, transformed by God’s powerful providence into a life-giving stream, a river that brings gladness and joy to God’s people. In other words, the very things that seem to overwhelm us, are used by God for our good.

The Scriptures affirm this truth over and over again with its stories. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, the victim of hatred and abuse, falsely accused and imprisoned unjustly, turns out to be God’s way of providing for an entire nation during a time of famine. What men intended for evil, God meant for good (see Genesis 50:20). As we read in Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

The greatest demonstration of this is the crucifixion of Christ. Christ’s death by crucifixion was the worst thing that ever happened in human history. It was the greatest crime, the deepest evil, the cruelest form of capital punishment in the ancient world, all committed against the most innocent, righteous, and loving person who ever lived. But through it, God was working out his greatest plan: he was bringing salvation to the world.

Listen, the same God who brings redemption through the cross of Christ can also use everything difficult in your life for your ultimate good.

The presence of God

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

—Psalm 46:7, 11

The third reason we can live without debilitating fear is because God is with us. You see it four times in this psalm. In verse 1, “He is a very present help in trouble”; in verse 5, “God is in the midst of her,” and then in verses 7 and 11, “The Lord of hosts is with us.”

This reminds us of many other promises of God’s presence in Scripture. Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 43:2-3, 5: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers; they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your Savior. Fear not, for I am with you.”

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. …I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 14:1; 16:33).

How did he overcome the world? Through his death and resurrection.

This is our great hope. No matter how dark and difficult things get, we know that Christ has already met, fought, and defeated our greatest enemy—death itself.