There is a virus traveling around the world, and it has the power to put life on hold. It keeps everyone watching the tickling clock, waiting and observing how this wave will affect everything. EVERYTHING.
Deep inside I fear having to sit down with myself for days, letting go of long to do lists and bucket dreams, the rush of living life on a race. At the same time, in the vacuum created by stopping and pondering, priorities start to kick in, values slowly line up and suddenly a clear view of what matters most in life and what doesn’t, sharpens ahead of me.
When Jesus walked on this Earth he had clear priorities. His values were not mixed up in a confused matter. He knew who he was, why he came and what was his purpose. While here he took the time to teach his followers about who they were, why they were here and what was their purpose. Today, he is still touching hearts so we are not left in a confused state of living, wondering around in circles, running after every bubble of soap floating in the air, about to pop.
Until a virus pops all the bubbles and we are left staring on blank air, wondering what have we been running after, all this time.
It is a sobering moment when we stare mortality on the face, because there is no one down here on this Earth who can fix our problem. And yet, we knew this all along, but were too busy to notice. Sitting on the truth is uncomfortable and our first reaction is to numb fear with distraction, but the goal is not to linger in fear anyway. It has never been. If there is one command repeated in the Bible several times it is to not be afraid, to let go of fear. But that is not all. There is more.
The reason God tells us not to fear is because he has given us a way out of fear. He sent Jesus to face the biggest fear ever, to walk alone to the cross and receive the punishment for our sins, separated from God. Jesus faced more than death and a terrible way of dying, he faced judgment from God. Jesus did not have to do this, but he chose to feel the fear because he loves you enough to want to keep you away from it.
When you believe that Jesus did this for you, you have nothing left to fear. Mortality is utterly sad, but it is not defeating because it doesn’t draw a period at the end of our lives, it only adds a comma. There is more.
On the third day, Jesus came back to life and defeated death. One of the first things he told his followers was “Peace be with you.” The opposite of fear. There was no more reason to be afraid, he conquered fear for all who believe in him. And he offers more than just peace. “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He offers supernatural peace, a sense of complete wellbeing and rest, because there is someone who can fix our problem.
I am reminded that instead of looking up for bubbles of soap floating in the air, to raise my eyes higher, way higher, to eternal dreams and priorities. I know who I am, a daughter of God, and why I am here, to live as Jesus lived, and my purpose goes beyond laying treasures on earth, where they can be lost. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Mat 6:33-34.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.” Jos 1:9
Further readings: Ten Ways to Cope with Fear in this Chaotic World and How to Thrive in Quarantine