Are you worried about the Corona Virus?
The media ignites so much fear.
God calls us to the the Blood of Jesus and faith.
God calls us to stand firm, use wisdom and do not fear!
Nobody wants to get sick. I get that. I had the flu this year and it was awful. But let's also consider . . .
All though we are surrounded with many uncertainties, God is not confused, baffled nor worried. He wants our attention. That's the theme of my new book: Flourishing In God - A Message From the Trees. It began when an ash tree in my yard needed to be cut down. As I watched the 100 foot ash tree slowly being lowered to the ground, the Lord said, "Listen to the message in the trees."
His instructions baffled me at first, until I researched the reason the tree died. Millions
of ash trees are dying because of a tiny beetle the size of a grain of rice, the Emerald Ash Borer. Of course, each bug brings his brothers, but when you compare that tiny insect to a 100 foot tree it sure highlights the scripture about the little foxes that spoil the vine. (Song of Solomon 2:15)
These beetles burrow into the little cracks and openings of the bark and kill the tree from the inside out. We are God's trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. The ash tree can't protect itself, but we can, in Jesus name.
Here are four things the Lord has impressed upon me:
First - We have to guard our hearts from the burrowing "ash borers" of fear. Fear is an opening for the enemy. Fear wears us down. It steals our focus. Jesus said, "Be anxious for nothing . . ." We cannot do this in our own strength. That's why the rest of that verse is so important . . . "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Second - We have to build up our spiritual immune systems.
The warning about the little foxes is in a love story, the Song of Solomon. It's saying don't allow anything, even what's happening around us now, to disrupt our love relationship with the Lord.
We can learn from the palm tree, too. Unlike most trees, the palm has a living center which makes it flexible so it can bend in the wind.
Third - Eat healthy, foods that will increase strength vs foods that which will steal strength (see: Let's Put a Stop to Wrinkles).
Four - Rest. Remember when Elijah was running from Jezebel? He was fearful and exhausted. He slept for two days beneath a broom tree, and God faithfully cared for him. He wants us to get plenty of rest beneath the "broom tree" of His presence.
Here is God's solution to Corona V . . .
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you will His feathers, and under His wings
you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes
shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
Psalm 91:1-8 NKJV