Finding Peace in the Midst of Anxiety
Spreading hope faster than the Coronavirus
The spread of the Coronavirus has many people feeling anxious. We may be anxious about getting sick or a loved one falling ill. There may be fears of not having enough supplies or lost time at school or work. Feeling anxious is a natural response to such a crisis. However, psychologists understand that when anxiety rises, our ability to reason falls. This applies to the individual as well as society. This is known as the “fight or flight process” and serves us well in immediate danger by releasing adrenaline so that we may quickly respond in immediate danger, such as having to put out a fire. But when it goes on too long, it can work against us. Anxiety can lower the immune response. If we get too anxious, it actually hinders our ability to deal with the situation.
Where, then, can we find hope in times of trouble? Where can we turn in times when the world as we knew it yesterday is not the same as today? The late Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, spent his life helping children cope with their fears. He once said, “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Rogers was an ordained minister, yet it was not from the pulpit his words of comfort came. It was public television for children. He had a way of bringing peace to the world. His words especially comforted children. Among them were children who lived with parental abuse and others facing life-threatening illnesses. In so many words, what Rogers was saying was don’t look at the problem, but keep your focus on what is good.
Similar to Roger’s quote, the apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8, “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.”
This is much more than an optimistic quote from Scripture. There is power in staying focused on the good. Power to overcome fear. However, we are asked to abide in Christ first, before we can experience the promise of peace. We are asked to do something, abide that is. Jesus said in John 15:4, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. We don’t make the fruit, God does. We are just fruit bearers. But that does not mean we are to do nothing. We are asked to do our part by abiding in Christ and focusing on the good, thinking upon whatever is true, honorable, and commendable.
Focusing on the problem of the Coronavirus may give us a feeling of being in control of the situation, and to some extent, staying informed and making necessary precautions is important. But we must ask ourselves when is concern healthy and when is it toxic? When have I become so preoccupied with the problem that I have lost my peace?
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It is not easy to turn our focus from the negative, but when we do, it is amazing how the power of God comes flooding in and gives us the peace that passes all understanding.
At Pendleton Center UMC, we want to spread hope faster than the Coronavirus and are asking you to join us in our efforts. Share this blog, pray for others, keep looking at those who are doing good, and continue to abide in Christ.
