Biblical Habits in Times of Fear

Meditate on Scripture. Think About Things that are True and Pure. Abide in Jesus. Trust God.

These are four important principles of our Christian faith that I have been intentional in practicing since the pandemic of the Coronavirus began.

These biblical habits have kept me steady and enabled me to be at peace when so many others are fearful, anxious and even in despair during this very stressful time.

Le’s take a look at a few key scriptures that are related to trials and the guidance that God gives us in the Bible – His truths.

Responding to Trials Such as a Pandemic – What the Bible Says

Jesus tells us in John 16:33 – ” …In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We can expect to experience trials throughout life, but our Savior, Jesus, tells us that He will give us strength and a mindset to overcome any trial we face.

In James we read, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 We can choose to have this perspective that our trials are opportunities to grow in our faith, to become more Christlike.

Similarly, Paul tells us in Romans, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 Our trials can build our character as the Holy Spirit guides and strengthens us.

So, we have a choice as to how we respond during times of trials and significant stressors such as during this pandemic. When we choose to have a biblical response, we can remain steady in the face of uncertainty.

Meditate on Scripture – What the Bible Says

As we read scripture, we are to store its truth in our minds and in our hearts.”My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 3:1-3

In Joshua we read, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

And the Psalmist instructs us, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 As we meditate on the truth of scripture, we can be reminded of the nature of God and His ways and His promises. This can give us a sense of steadiness and strength and hope when the world is whirling out of control.

Think About Things that are True and Pure – Our Thought Patterns and Scripture

The Bible has a lot to say about the significance of our thought life.

When our minds are directed toward God and His nature and His goodness and ways, then we can experience peace, even amidst trials. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

Again, we have a choice on how we respond in our trials. We can choose whether to set our minds on our circumstances and the things of this world, or we can set our mind on things above. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-5 When we set our minds on things above, we can experience peace instead of anxiety.

Another relevant scripture related to this principle is found in Philippians, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Abide in Jesus – What the Bible Says

Jesus told his followers, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.” John 5:39-40 It’s only when we “come to Jesus” – when we run to Him as in times of trials – that we can experience the ‘life’ that He offers. This is a life of hope, strength, peace and comfort.

Later in John 15, Jesus instructed His disciples of the importance of “abiding” or remaining in himself. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 To abide is to direct our thoughts and our heart toward Him. To sit quietly reading scripture. To listen to or sing songs about God and His nature. To walk in nature and be reminded of the beauty of His creation. As we do this we can experience joy, love, gentleness and peace.

Trust God – An Important Instruction in Scripture

Trusting God is an attitude that we can also choose to have. We have a choice whether to place our mind and concerns on events such as the coronavirus, or we can choose to trust God.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 If you can trust that God is with you in any storm that you face, then you will not be anxious or worried. Your trust in Him can give you inner peace.

Let’s be reminded of the significance of trusting God:

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7

Jesus tells us – “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 You indeed are more valuable to God then the birds of the air. Trust that He will care for you because He loves you so very much!

Finally, Paul reminds us in Romans, “… we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:29 God wants us to tuck this truth deep into our hearts. As we trust in this truth, we can experience His peace and hope.

Grounded in God’s Truth

About 15 years ago I experienced a personal health ‘storm’ in my life. At the end of that ‘storm’ I captured these key lessons that I learned:

We have a choice to turn to our faith and God or to cope in unhealthy ways
Study the Bible to see how God guides you in coping with the situation
Read faith-related material to assist in growing deeper in your faith
Recognize God puts people and circumstances into your life to help you grow and to support you
Pray for strength, peace, healing and wisdom in making decisions
Believe that God hears and will answer your prayers
Ask friends for prayer and support
Our strong beliefs and trust provide hope and encouragement

These principles of our Christian faith, and the ones that I shared in this blog post, are still relevant.

Finally, one of my favorite teachings of Jesus, related to the trials and storms of life, is recorded in Matthew.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27