How do we as Christians experience peace during times when our health, our finances, and perhaps even our lives are threatened? We are presently living in such times, so it is important that we think about this important question. It is important to understand that fear during times of uncertainty is a normal human response, especially for those who have experienced abuse or trauma in their lives. Having said that, God is actively at work to heal us and enable us to find peace even during unsettled times. Before his death, Jesus gave us a special gift. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27).

While it is important that we learn skills to overcome anxiety such as self-soothing, deep breathing and managing anxious thoughts, the peace that Jesus gives is something the world, or humans alone, cannot create or give. It is the gift of God to us, and remember that Jesus gave us this gift during a time of tremendous potential personal anxiety, just before his own suffering and death. It important to realize that fear is about turning inward to protect ourselves. This manifests itself in various ways including buying as much as we can for ourselves without regard for the needs of others.

In contrast, love turns outward. It is the most powerful force in the universe because its origin is God who is love (1 John 4:16). Love gives, it creates, it is genuinely concerned about others as well as oneself. (Matthew 22:39). Because of this, we need to understand that we are all in this together. City, County, State and Federal governments have issued guidelines that are designed to keep us safe. Safe distancing, handwashing, wiping down surfaces, staying home when we feel sick, avoiding gatherings of over 10 – 25 people, avoiding unnecessary travel, etc. are inconvenient but they are acts of love to keep those who are most vulnerable safe from exposure to COVID-19. They are wise measures that should be heeded by us all.

But, where is our real source of safety? I would suggest that it is found in intimate contact with Jesus Christ regardless of the circumstances. We are safe in his love regardless of what he permits for us. In my Foundations of Biblical Counseling class last week, I proposed this scenario (thinking that I was still traveling to Brazil this coming weekend. Wisely, the trip was canceled). I asked my students “Are you safe right now?” The answer was “yes.” Then I asked a series of related questions.

If I travel to the airport to fly to Brazil, will I be safe? Yes

If I fly to Brazil, will I be safe in the airplane? Yes

When I land in the airport, will I be safe? Yes

When I speak in Brazil, will I be safe? Yes

If I contract the Corona virus, will I be safe? Yes

If I die from the Corona virus, will I be safe? Yes

How can I make these statements with assurance? Two reasons come to mind. First, I have made a conscious choice to give my life to God. If it is his, he gets to do with it whatever he chooses. I am at peace with that. Second, he loved (and still loves) me. He is carrying me in his arms (Isaiah 63:9). Nothing can separate me from his magnificent love. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35 and 38-39). It is the peace that comes with knowing that I am deeply loved by God that casts out fear in my life. “Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he first loved us” (1 John 4:18-19). “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

So, let’s make sound, wise, obedient decisions to keep ourselves and others safe. But more importantly, let’s draw close to God and use whatever means we have at our disposal to love and connect with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers during this time of uncertainty. We are all in this together.