Fear, Faith, and Common Sense – Don’t Be Afraid Part 3

Scripture: Psalm 71:9,17-18 9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. 17 O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. 18 Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Psalm 71:9, 17-18 NLT) These verses are very special to Jean and me. God gave those words to us years ago to reassure us that he would care for us and give us purpose even into our old age. We still believe that’s true for us. And it’s true for you! We’re hearing that the COVID-19 epidemic is especially devastating to folks over 60, especially those with “underlying health issues”. At age 77, Jean and I both fit solidly in that category! I’ve been very aware of my mortality for the past eight years, since I lived past the age at which my Dad died. Every day, week, month, and year is a gift! It’s always a gift, but for me it is especially so at this stage of my life. So what do we do? How should we feel about that? I know that many of my friends who read GraceNotes are in that same “high risk” category. Should we panic? Should we say, “This whole COVID-19 epidemic is a government plot!”? Should we say, “It’s a free country! They can’t tell us to close our church services! They can’t tell us we have to stay home!”? (Actually, “they” can! We have empowered our local, state, and national governments to make laws and rules to protect our lives!) But what do we do? If you’re getting all your news from sources that feed the fear that this is all some sort of conspiracy, stop doing that! When we are faced with crisis or danger, we can react, ignore, or respond. Friends, faith and science are not enemies! Educate yourself on how COVID-19 spreads. Educate yourself on how the virus attacks the human body and how the body fights back. Learn why older people and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk than others. Learn the common-sense things you can do to protect yourself and others.

In a rapidly developing situation, new information is coming in, and agencies are working together to protect the population of the world, our nation, states, regions, and communities. We must prayerfully listen to the facts, to the experts, and to the Spirit. We must respond and not merely react. Wash your hands! Buy toilet paper! Prayer: Father, Fill our minds with wisdom and our hearts with faith! We trust you! Amen!