Let me ask you.

How are you?

How are you doing?

• Are you fearful in the world as it is today?
• Are you afraid of the future, for yourself, for your family?
• Are you scared by the news, by what you hear, see, and read online and from the Media?

Or,

• Are you at peace in your present circumstances?

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.                                                           

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NASB

• Are you living in the serenity of dwelling in the LORD?

⁵ For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.                                                            Psalm 27:5 NASB

• Are you resting in the assurance of a good and loving Father?

¹⁵ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”                                                      Romans 8:14-15 NASB

Forgo Fear

First off:

Fear does NOT indicate a lack of saving Faith. 

But fear can battle weak daily living Faith.

“Our saving faith remains constant, but our daily living faith rises and falls according to the strength of our relationship with God.”                                                     Dr. Michael Youssef

Even the disciples were afraid.(And not just at the crucifixion!)

²³ When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. ²⁴ And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. ²⁵ And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” ²⁶ He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.                                                   Matthew 8:23-26 NASB

Again:

Fear does NOT indicate a lack of Faith. 

Fear is natural.

Fear is an automatic response of our (God-given) bodies to threat, danger, and stress. 

Fear is God-given. 

Yes, God-given.

There are a lot of things on earth to fear:

• Falling
• Snake bites (ouch! The serpent in the Garden?)
• The Unknown (Adam and Eve facing life outside of the Garden)
• Fire
• Weapons and War
• Hurricanes and Floods
• Pestilence and Plagues

The Acute Stress Response

Our bodies react automatically to perceived threat (physical, emotional, mental, even spiritual). 

The acute stress response, also called the fight-or-flight response is a delicate balance between the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. 

The stress response begins in the brain (see illustration). Information from the senses is sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing.

The amygdala interprets the images and sounds. When it perceives danger, it instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions (breathing, blood pressure, heartbeat, etc.)

“The autonomic nervous system has two components, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous …triggers the fight-or-flight response … The parasympathetic nervous system … promotes the … response that calms the body down after the danger has passed.

“All of these changes happen so quickly that people aren’t aware of them. In fact, the wiring is so efficient that the amygdala and hypothalamus start this cascade even before the brain’s visual centers have had a chance to fully process what is happening. That’s why people are able to jump out of the path of an oncoming car even before they think about what they are doing.”

Understanding the Stress Response 

Physiological (Bodily) Symptoms Include:

• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Higher blood pressure 
• Pale or flushed skin
• Pain response dulled
• Dilated pupils
• Antsy
• Memory fog
• Tenseness or trembling
• Bladder control issues

Psychological (Mental) Symptoms Include:

In addition, the acute stress response may include psychological effects.

• Increased intensity of emotion, especially anger
• Increased strength and/or speed
• Foggy thinking, or a blank mind, making it difficult to make decisions
• Anxiety and apprehension
• Limited focus, diminishing attention to smaller tasks

Fight, Flight … and More?

Regarding the Fight-or-Flight Response, I had heard of a third: Freeze. 

However, my research found the Acute Stress Response includes additional aspects: 

Fight: When you feel stress in a situation and you think you have the power to fight it, you react by aggressively moving forward.

Flight: When you feel stress in a situation and you think you can’t fight it, you run away.

Freeze: When you feel stress in a situation, and you find yourself unable to move or act against the threat.

Flood: When you feel stress in a situation, and you are overcome by sudden emotions.

Fawn: When you feel stress in a situation, and you comply and submit to the threat.

Fatigue: When you feel stress in a situation, and you use sleep as a way to manage the crises situation.

Have I scared you?

Sorry, I didn’t mean to. 

Fear is Normal, Natural, and, at the Right Time, Beneficial

I just wanted to emphasize that fear is normal, natural, and, at the right time, beneficial. 

The key is, at the right time.

Stephanie Kirby, in Fight Flight Freeze: How To Recognize It And What To Do When It Happens writes

“Stress is something that happens automatically when you feel threatened.

“Start by learning to recognize whether threats are real or imagined.”

The question becomes: What is the correct response for the current situation?

“When you are confronted with something you feel threatened by, you have two main choices: either you can do something or calm yourself.” Stephanie Kirby

This is where we, as humans, are to access our cerebral cortex, our brain’s center of higher thinking. With the cerebral cortex we can exercise sound, measured, prudent judgment and wisdom. 

Cerebral Cortex image source:

What Is the Christian Response to Fear?

Good News!

As Christians, we don’t have to be slaves to our physical body. 

As Christians, we don’t have to be slaves to our “flesh.”

¹⁴ For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”                                                         Romans 8:14-15 NASB

As Christians, we can live in the Peace that is not of the world.

²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.                                                            John 14:27 NASB

As Christians, we can live in the Peace which passes all understanding.

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.                                                    Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

As Christians, we can live in safety, in His shelter, under His wings.

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ³ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.                                                 Psalm 91:1-6 NASB

Practice Prudence 

Prudence is the virtue of using reason in making decisions, shrewdness in management of your affairs, wisdom in utilizing resources, and caution or circumspection regarding risk and hazard.

• Physiologically
• Mentally 
• Emotionally

Physiologically

Reduce the effects of the sympathetic response (fear) and increase the effectiveness of the parasympathetic response (peace).

1. Relaxation response.

“[P]eople can counter the stress response by using a combination of approaches that elicit the relaxation response. These include deep abdominal breathing, focus on a soothing word (such as peace or calm), visualization of tranquil scenes, repetitive prayer, yoga, and tai chi.”

2. Breathing.

• Breathe deeply.
• Deliberately become mindful of your surroundings, using your five senses, not your emotions.
• Reassure yourself that this feeling will pass; and you will not feel this way forever.

3. Physical activity.

“Exercise, such as taking a brisk walk” when feeling stress, can be used to relieve the buildup of the stress response by “deepen[ing] breathing and help[ing] relieve muscle tension. Movement therapies such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong combine fluid movements with deep breathing and mental focus, all of which can induce calm.”

Mentally 

Clear the mind of negative thinking, lack of concentration, delayed decision-making, etc.

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.                                                  Romans 12:2 NASB

1. Be Mindful

• Be in the present moment.
  • Don’t dwell on the past.
  • Don’t worry about the future.

• Focus your attention on the “aliveness” of your body.
  • Its breathing
  • Its sensory perceptions
  • Its muscular tension or laxity

• Maintain a positive attitude.
  • Be receptive to curiosity and discovery.
  • Be open to novelty and change.
  • Accept what is, take action if necessary, and then move on.

2. Change of Focus

• Reduce mental assault and overload by the Media: TURN IT OFF!
  • Most of it is biased fear-mongering, unworthy of your time and attention.  
  • Seek trustworthy news sources instead.
  • And limit your exposure to them!

• Turn your time and attention to other things, more helpful things, more hopeful things. 

Emotionally

1. Social support.

“Confidants, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, relatives, spouses, and companions all provide a life-enhancing social net … [T]he buffering theory holds that people who enjoy close relationships with family and friends receive emotional support that indirectly helps to sustain them at times of chronic stress and crisis.”

2. Count your blessings. Yes, really. Begin a list of the ways God has blessed you.

• How do you know God?
• When have you seen evidence of God’s work (the “fingerprints of God”) in your life?
• When has God been faithful to you (even if you haven’t been faithful to Him)?
• Who are the people in your life who bless you?
• Who are the people in your life who you bless?
• Examples of God’s Provision, Protection, Presence

3. Share your love. Articulate your emotions for the people in your life.

• Who are all the people you can you tell that you love them, that you miss them?
  • List them.
  • Tell, text, or write to them.

• Let others know how much you appreciate them in your life.
  • List them.
  • Tell, text, or write to them.

• “Pass it forward” a good deed or two.
  • Be more contagious in your love than you are in the virus.

4. Express gratitude. Give thanks to God and to people.

• Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for at this moment.
  • Continue, as needed. You will never run out of things for which to thank God.

• Thank others for the part they play, or have played, in your life.
  • List them.
  • Tell, text, or write to them.

• Give to ministries and missions.
  • Currently many people have reduced resources.
  • If you can, give more.
  • God may need you to provide for His people through ministries and missions.

Pursue Peace 

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.                                                          2 Thessalonians 3:16 NASB

Spiritually

1. Seek God

• Seek Him in new ways, in deeper ways. 
• Seek greater intimacy with God. 
• Seek to know Him by Name. By what Names have you personally experienced YHVH?
• Seek to know Him by attribute. By what attributes have you personally experienced YHVH?

2. Read the Bible.

The Bible is readily accessible today. If you don’t have one where you are, there are many free Bible apps available.

• Your schedule is as open and flexible as it ever has been. Now is the time to begin, or increase, reading and studying the Bible. 

• Check out online resources (like the links I have used) and apps. (I have several free translations of the Bible on my phone.)

• Expand your understanding of the Bible through commentaries, word study resources and interlinear Bibles, and Bible dictionaries.

3. Be deliberate in your watching and listening.

• Fill the time you are not watching news media with godly sounds and words.
• Speak the Truth of Scripture into your life (such as the ones I have used).

For more Scripture, see Top 5 Scriptures That Banish Fear by Jessica Kastner

• Watch encouraging messages and teachings.
  • Listen to uplifting worship music.
  • Sing along. (Remember, Psalm 100 says to sing “joyfully.” There’s nothing in there about carrying a tune.)
  • Let the worship music fill your home and your heart. 
  • Teach the praise songs to your children. 
  • Share links with your family and friends.

• Be aware of what you share. Post only positive messages on social media.

4. Prayer is merely talking with God.

And maybe, before you can talk, you have to scream and rant and rage about what is going on in your life.

Go ahead. 

God is a big boy. He can take it. 

• Pray the Psalms.
  • See how David expressed his anger and disappointment, as well as his praise and gratitude. 

• Pray instead of worry.
  • Know that worrying is counterproductive. 
  • Every time you catch yourself worrying turn it into a prayer, an affirmation of faith, or a profession of the Truth of God’s Word. 

• Pray for a deeper intimacy with God. 

Don’t hold anything back. Give it all to God.

Let Him have it!

And let Him keep it. 

5. Think of others. Even in this time of social distancing do something to help other people. 

• A phone chat.
  • How are you feeling?
  • What’s going on with you?
  • Is there anything I can do for you? 

• A card or letter.  Yes, by snail mail.

Going to the mail box and getting something other than bills or junk mail can be the highlight of someone’s day (or week!). 

• A small gift, sent to them.
  • Order online and have it delivered.
  • Something to bring pleasure and joy to their life. 

6. And then: More Prayer

• Pray for people who are deemed essential and are unable to shelter in place to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19. 

• Pray for those who have loved ones sick and alone in the hospital. 

• Pray for the sick, and those who are dying alone, separated from those they love and who love them. 

• Pray for those who have lost loved ones and are without closure, unable to gather to celebrate their life at the time of their death. 

¹⁸ With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,                                                            Ephesians 6:18 NASB

For more ideas for prayer in these times, see these articles:

• 20 Prayers to Pray During This Pandemic by Jen Pollock Michel 3 18 2020 As COVID-19 sends the globe into crisis, it also sends us to our knees.

• 20 More Prayers to Pray as We Approach the Pandemic’s Peak by Jen Pollock Michel 4 15 2020   Petitioning God is still the most powerful way to respond in crisis.

• 7 Special Provisions to Thank God for During COVID-19 by Dolores Smyth 4 21 2020

Closing Thoughts

 

I think the key to resting in God’s Peace is to remove your attention from the crisis.

Instead, focus your thoughts and actions on God, as well as on other people. 

 

I hope this has given you some ideas to consider, thoughts to ponder, and views to think about. And possible actions to take.

⁸ Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

Selah.

Psalm 62:8 NASB

Let me know in the comments what you think about this path to Peace.

If you found this useful, I invite you to share it with others seeking Peace in the face of the pandemic.

 

Blessings,

 

TLThomas

www.tlthomas@mywordontheword.com

 

See also

7 Lessons From Job – Part 1: Is God to Blame?

7 Lessons From Job – Part 2: Can We Question and Criticize God?

 

(c) 2020 TLThomas