Truths to remember when you’re anxious about coronavirus

The Bible has great encouragement for those worried about COVID-19.

Are you afraid of the coronavirus? If you are, I don’t blame you! It really is pretty scary that something this dangerous is sweeping the world, and it’s affecting all of our daily lives.

But God doesn’t want us to live in fear. So here are some big truths from the Bible to remember when you’re feeling afraid!

God is in control

Coronavirus is scary because it feels like we are out of control. But the truth is, we are never actually in control – God is!

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Even when we feel like we’re in control, God actually is. So don’t worry: God hasn’t lost control of the situation! And even when you feel out of control, remember that God is always in control.

God has a plan

Right now, a lot of us are having to cancel our plans for things like parties, social gatherings, work trips and even weddings. School might be cancelled and your parents might be working from home. All of our plans are up in the air!

Let Romans 8:28 encourage you: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Even when you can’t make a plan, God has a plan: a BIG plan to work for your good and your salvation.

God is with you

Maybe coronavirus will mean you end up in self-isolation or quarantine, unable to see your friends or wider family. Maybe you won’t be able to go to church or youth group or your school Christian group. You might start feeling lonely, and that loneliness might make you more scared.

But Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God will be with you no matter what happens – even if you get coronavirus! He will not leave your side and with him, you will never be truly alone.

There is an end in sight

If nothing else comforts you, and the world seems truly broken, you can remember the fact that this world is temporary. Jesus died so that you could have eternal life in a place where there will be no diseases, no lockdowns, no terrifying 24 hour news cycle…

Instead, Revelation 21:1-5 gives us this glimpse of the new creation:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Coronavirus will not last forever here on earth. But more importantly, there is an eternity ready for you, where absolutely nothing will go wrong.