I’d presume that you’ve experienced that brief moment of panic when searching for your cell phone, only to realize it is either in your hand or you are looking at it (don’t act like you haven’t done that). That frenzied state pushes us into an accelerated decision-making framework, and often we act irrationally. God’s Word calls us to be of sober-mind, prepared for action, with our hope set on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

There was a day not long ago where the biggest concern and panic in America was if the Popeye’s chicken sandwich was better than Chick-fil-a’s (how’s that for some perspective). Now most of us have experienced or at least observed true panic. In times of panic, the human instinct is to do whatever necessary for survival (@all you toilet paper hoarders). Even in times where there’s not a global pandemic, people long for direction. We are nothing but lost sheep, in need of a shepherd (1 Peter 2:25). We are foreigners, in need of direction. Friends, we have it. We have it. We’ve had it. It’s true and inerrant. It’s called the Bible.

Here’s a few things to remember in this strange time:

There is healing and hope to come | In the face of disease and famine or natural disaster many people often ask, “how could God let this happen?” Remember, this fallen world is not the one that God intended us to live in. We were created in His image, to live in right relationship with Him. It was a result of succumbing to the enemy’s desperate attempt to drag us down with him that opened the door for perfect harmony with God to be compromised. It’s not a matter of God letting bad things happen, ever. There is no bad in God; anything less than perfection is incompatible with His character. The world we live in now is not yet restored to glory and God’s intention. Today, we get the opportunity to choose to live like Jesus did, and showcase what faith in hope to come looks like. There is coming a day with no disease, no pain, no suffering, and no sin. Do all you can to share the good news people that you know and don’t, that they might experience eternal security in Christ as well. There’s healing found in the free gift of salvation (Romans 5:15), only through the finished work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

We find direction in the Scriptures | Jerusalem is in disrepair, and the returned exiles are discouraged and disheartened. In comes the character of Nehemiah and he is faced with the huge challenge of leading the children of Israel in their new venture of rebuilding the walls to the city. Nehemiah’s approach is a noble one; he carefully analyzed what was going on, he empathized with the hurting among him, he humbled himself before God and knew his place, and he prayed. The story of Nehemiah is a perfect example of how to navigate any trial, test, or time of apprehension (Nehemiah 1:1-11).

God really is in control | “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:25-27

Don’t miss the profound spiritual connection with what is going on amid this pandemic. God is making people aware of their need for something beyond themselves. The most contagious thing in the world right now should be the Gospel. People wonder why things like this happen, what to do/where to go, and most of all, people long to place their hope in something. God has preserved the Scriptures not to provide us with an outdated rule book full of boring history, but as an authentic love and rescue story – full of wisdom and direction on navigating the narrow path to life-indeed.

Pause, for real. Take the time to encourage someone that you love. Seriously, it just takes a few seconds to send a text. Your words matter, and if you offer them to the people you love, they’ll be reminded that God’s Word offers them all that they need. Here’s two of mine:

Jacob Daniel Stevens – there aren’t many people that I’ve crossed paths with that have made me feel included like you have. Thank you, for simply validating that my friendship and presence is desired. It’s a gift, man. (Proverbs 17:17)

Cooper Allan McCarley – my man. There are not proper words to convey how proud I am of you. You’ve come so far in a month’s time; it excites me to think about where God is going to take you in the next year of your life. You are wise, and your friendship is a rich encouragement to me. I believe in you brother! (Luke 9:23)