Why We Can’t Give in To Fear During this Time of Crisis

In our world today, fear seems to be bigger than ever before. In particular, fear of the coronavirus is putting everyone on edge, myself included. However, the more I read, the more I see, and the more I hear, I know that there are many reasons why we can’t (and shouldn’t) give in to fear during this time of crisis.

When Fear Becomes Familiar

Fear is no stranger to me. You could say that we have a ‘history’ together. I’ve had first-hand experience with how fearful thoughts can take root. These thoughts turn into self doubt and worry. But thankfully my history isn’t shaping my future. Because I’m learning more and more about why we can’t give in to fear especially during this time of crisis.

Truth be told, this coronavirus pandemic has me on edge. Who wouldn’t be?

Let’s face it, who can’t help but be fearful when you get up in the morning, turn on the television, and see the headlines (yet again) of how many people have contracted the virus and how quickly it’s spreading? It’s like watching a ticking time bomb and waiting to see when it will eventually go off.

Fear Serves No Purpose

It seems as though we are all waiting for the virus to make it’s way into our communities if it hasn’t already done so. No doubt we will all experience personal affects from it in some way.

In fact, it has already changed the dynamic in our family. I’m sure it has in yours too. For instance, my son’s college has moved to online learning for the rest of the semester. My daughter’s high school is going remote for the remainder of the academic year. And, my husband is fully transitioned to working from home.

Prior to us all being located under one roof all day long, I could feel fear settling in. I worried about what would happen if this virus hit my son’s college campus with over 40,000 students. I worried about my daughter contracting it at school. I feared for my husband’s health as some of his fellow coworkers had recently returned from Seattle, one of the nation’s ‘hot’ zones.

In short, fear was taking over. Then I said one simple word – STOP. And, I asked myself these questions:

• What type of purpose does this thinking serve?
• Will fear change the situation?
• Will fear make the outcome better or worse?

The answer is a resounding NO!

In a nutshell, fear serves no purpose. It only feeds the situation.  It offers no solutions. 

This is one of the reasons why we can’t give in to fear.

Today, I still need to ask myself those same questions even though we are safe in our little abode. Because with all non-essential businesses shutting down, churches closing their doors, and all of us being asked to keep our ‘social distance’ from another, it’s a daily challenge not to give in to fear.

Fear is Contagious

One thing I’ve learned from this situation is that fear is contagious. And when it takes root, it spreads like wildfire.

You can see just how contagious fear is by simply going to the grocery store. Store shelves are wiped out of items we hope will keep the virus at bay such as antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, rubber gloves, face masks, and rubbing alcohol. Fear is so contagious that it’s leading people to hoard large quantities of toilet paper, milk, and other grocery items like milk, bread, chicken, and meat.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be prepared in times like these. But this is different. Fear is driving people to consume these items in excess.

The desire to buy these ‘necessary’ items isn’t the only thing that’s spreading. Fear is spreading doubt and confusion in our minds too. It’s a challenging situation for sure. We are told not to panic but when we visit the grocery store, fear sets in because the basic supplies we need to feed and protect our families aren’t available. Therefore, we aren’t sure what to do. In turn, we start worrying and speaking words of fear instead of faith. We may spread our fearful thoughts to other people which often creates more fear and panic.

It’s important to express our feelings, but if we aren’t careful, this fear-based thinking can become part of our everyday mindset. This isn’t how God wants us to live.

Fear Robs Us of the Present Moment

Fear often dredges up the past and projects an anxious future. Whenever I feel fearful, my mind often brings up a past memory of something that caused me worry or anxiety — such as the time my son contracted the adenovirus at school. We had never heard of this virus before. It was running rampant throughout his college campus. Eventually, it spread to him and he ended up in the hospital.

So this past memory projected anxious thoughts about the future. Thoughts such as “The past virus he had was so bad, what will happen if he gets this new virus and gets sick again?”

This type of thinking robs me of one precious thing — the present.

Bottom line – we can’t give in to fear because it robs us of the present moment.

Fear Steals Our Faith

Perhaps the biggest reason we can’t give in to fear is that it steals our faith.

Fear of the coronavirus is what most of us are living with now. But, our fear doesn’t need to be this big to steal our faith. Fears we experience in everyday life which may stem from our family, marriages, or careers still take away what is most important of all – our faith.

If we are constantly filled with fear, we aren’t trusting God.

When this happens we’ve switched places putting ourselves in the driver’s seat with God simply along for the ride. And this is a scary place to be because our journey through life suddenly all depends on us.

We can’t give in to fear because our faith is too precious to lose. We can’t be filled with fear and trust God at the same time.

Strategies to Combat Fear

So, as hard as it may be, during this fearful time, I’m doing my best to turn my fearful thoughts over to God. He sees what is going on. He cares, He is in control. And he is carefully orchestrating the outcome.

During this time, I’ve learned that prayer is the most powerful weapon I have. Here are some strategies I’m using to not give in to fear. Maybe these strategies will help you too…

• The Surrender Novena – One of my favorite prayers is the Surrender Novena. It has been a lifeline for me in helping me give my fears to Jesus,’ trusting him to take care of them.
• Paying Attention to My Thoughts – Let’s be clear — fearful thoughts do NOT come from God. This is such an important point to remember. When I catch myself thinking fearful thoughts or using fearful words – I stop. I’m practicing turning these thoughts into a short prayer instead. It’s usually a simple prayer said in the moment to combat the negative thought such as “God, please protect us from this virus and please keep it from spreading.” 
• Being Grateful – Another antidote to fear is gratitude. A short, simple prayer thanking God for my blessings and being thankful that he is in control helps me feel less fearful.  
• Quoting scripture – Reciting a spiritual mantra or sacred scripture is a good way to combat fear. It could be as simple as “Jesus I trust in you.” Or you can pick a scripture verse on fear that speaks to you personally. Many are short and easy to memorize such as the ones listed below. They are good reminders to place our trust in God and not give in to fear during this time of crisis.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears – Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

How are you dealing with fearful thoughts in your life? What strategies have worked for you? Please share in the comments section below.