Fear: A Global Pandemic

Fear

/’fir/

noun

Definition of fear:

1: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger

2: anxious concern  

3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God

Unlike paper towels and toilet paper, fear is abundant. Fear isn’t being rationed, it isn’t in short-supply, and it doesn’t appear to be running out any time soon. There’s plenty to go around, and if left unchecked—like the sudden and peculiar hoarding tendencies of our friends and neighbors (projection is my favorite of the defenses)—we can start gathering and stockpiling fear in unhealthy amounts.   

Now, one may say that the current levels of fear are with good reason. I mean, let’s face it, it’s not just paper products that are in high demand. Blood plasma, breathing apparatuses, and personal protective equipment are all in short supply and our country is scrambling to fill the growing need. 

But you and I know that it doesn’t stop there. 

Virtually, all areas of life have been touched and influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic—touched and influenced in ways that can easily give way to fear. Whether it be physical, professional, financial, or social, that which was seemingly stable is now on shaky ground. 

Obviously, we don’t combat anxious concern by simply ignoring the problem or pretending that the problem doesn’t exist (and if you need a reminder, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX are happy to oblige). There are very real problems at hand. Those problems have planted themselves prominently at our doorsteps. No, we don’t ignore the problem. We face it—six feet apart of course.

But is the true problem actually what we think it is? Losing a job, becoming ill, or losing a loved one are all very terrible things and are by definition problems in and of themselves. However, we must go deeper to unearth the root problem. Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” And Harlem philosopher Kurtis Blow once said, “Hard times spreading just like the flu.” We all know that it’s not a matter of if, but when difficulties come our way. So, how do we best respond to these hard times now that they’re here and are literally spreading like the flu? The answer is twofold. 

First, we must be mindful of our interpretation, or our reactions toward, the current negative events in our lives. We all have a decision to make and a filter by which to view our life and what happens to us. No matter how difficult the situation, we still have a choice, and no virus can take that from us. We can either choose to view current circumstances through a negative filter, which gives way to worry, depression, and despair. Or, we can choose to remain positive even in the midst of pain and tragedy, which gives way to peace, contentment, and hope. Far better to think “I’ll get through this” than “Because of this I’m through.”

Second, and more importantly, we need to question, and perhaps reevaluate, where our faith and trust lie. Does our faith and trust lie with our jobs and careers? It is now estimated that job losses due to the 2019 novel coronavirus could total 47 million and that unemployment could reach 32%. Those numbers are bad, and not because Brian Williams did the math. Does our faith lie in our 401ks and investments? In one month, The Dow Jones dropped lower than a limbo bar at a contortionist convention. Does our faith and trust lie in our health? We’ve gotten to the point that every sneeze and cough now requires a detailed back-story just to assure those within ear-range that we don’t require a medevac. Does our faith and trust lie in the security found in relationships and social connectivity? Places of worship are closed, happy hour is on hold, and a play date is now just rearranging the boxes on your calendar. It’s so bad that the CDC is actually promoting drugs not hugs.

Now, don’t get me wrong, jobs, investments, physical health, Sunday service, and happy hour are all good and beneficial to our mental well-being. We just want to be sure that we don’t elevate these areas of life higher than they ought to be. When it comes to faith, let’s not put ours in that which is manmade, but in Him who made man. 

I’ve heard the following sentiment many times over the past couple of weeks: we’ll get through this. I believe we will. I believe you will. I also believe that sentiment coupled with rationale is more powerful than sentiment alone. We’ll get through this, but it won’t be by chance, luck, or sheer willpower. We don’t need to hold our breath hoping this virus dissipates before we blackout. 

We’ll get through this because we’ll choose to be mindful of our reactions and cognizant of how we interpret our hardships. We’ll get through this because we’ll choose to remain positive even in the midst of pain, struggle, and uncertainty. We’ll get through this because we’ll choose not to place our trust in the unstable, but in He who is unshakable. Hard times may be spreading just like the flu, but even so, fear doesn’t have to.        

Psalms 91:1-2

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (NIV).