Today’s Devotion
Topic: Love Not Fear (COVID-19)
Text: 2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Amen
Fear has gripped many these days although we deny it to one another. Deep within, we have never experienced such events such as happening in our day. Disease, absolute moral decline and catastrophic economic situations around the world. All are unstable within, and believers lead the statistics.
But child of God do not let your heart be troubled or easily swayed into hopelessness. Jesus told us no less. He actually asked us to expect strange happenings in the last days yet assured us not to panic for He’s already secured us. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Therefore here are 5 practical steps a believer can adopt everyday to live above fear. For God never gave us the spirit of fear remember, but one of POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND.
A. Quiet: It is always going to be difficult to live above fear when our minds are constantly anxious. A still mind is a much better starting point. Why don’t you take some time off everyday to be quiet and meditative. There actually is so much noise around us now than before, especially on the internet. Work and societal expectations also get our hearts and minds worked up. Being quiet a while will help us connect to God through meditation and give us the restoration we need to remain optimistic; even in the midst of the storm.
B. Prayer: We ought to pray often without ceasing if we desire to live above fear. We live in an age of self-sufficiency. And yet, the coronavirus pandemic for instance, has exposed how flawed this mindset is. Setting aside different times of the day for prayer to God, calling out to Him for help, reminds us that we cannot do things on our own. We need His help. If we call out to Him, He will answer.
C. Listening to God and Practicing Obedience: Take time daily to read or listen to the Bible. The Bible shines a spotlight on how God has acted throughout history—in times of hardship, plagues, war, famine, and peace. Becoming aware of God’s acting throughout history creates a greater sensitivity to how He might be working today in our lives and in the world.
D. Understanding Situations and Others: Each of us believers need to practice the discipline of understanding. For instance, in order for one to love his neighbor, friend, or family member well, he or she needs to understand why the Lord said to do so, and to understand the total circumstance of the neighbor. Understanding is vital to loving. But this takes patience and care. It requires us to ask more questions than to utter statements when we are in conversations.
E. Thoughtful Care: Many are going through a lot sincerely. Increasing amounts of people are being quarantined around the world during this time. Make a conscious effort to check on loved ones and assure them of your love and care everyday. A simple text message of love or a minute’s phone call, can make so much difference in the lives of many. It’s never been expensive to show love and care, except for the unwilling. But how can the Holy Spirit be living and bearing His fruit through you and you struggle to be kind, patient, tolerant and loving?
Meditate on the above and begin to pray. More love, more power and more of a sound mind wherever there is fear. Ask the Lord’s protection on our land, healing for the sick and deliverance from the powers of darkness. Make a conscious effort to maintain quietness, pray, listen to God, understand situations and show thoughtful care. Your life knows no fear, even with the odds against you. Take heart! will you? JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD.
(www.yonghana.org; like our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK)
