Faith, Not Fear
By Rev. Monica C. Jones, Ph.D., Contributing Writer
Psalm 55:16 says, “But I call upon God, and the Lord will save me.” As we struggle with this new reality of “distancing” ourselves from one another, let us not distance ourselves from our faith.
Now, more than ever, we must find effective ways to reach the masses and do so with a strong message of faith. Psalm 91, 2 Timothy, and other biblical verses suddenly have become the “themes” of our response to the crisis and that is good. The Lord is our refuge and safe place where we may dwell and the Lord did not give us a spirit of fear.
Still, quoting these great passages is not enough. We must show our people that we know what we quote and we believe it.
Let us smile and share the joy of Jesus in our demeanor and communication. Smiling means more than moving muscles in your face. It means having an attitude of joy. Let us smile in our attitude; when we text or email others; and in our sermons and Bible studies. Let us smile when we shop, check on our neighbors and families, work, and worship.
Let us testify to others to remain calm and faithful and also take the time to share how God has blessed you. Let us share our miracles, past and present, with our friends and family. Send messages via social media about how the Lord is still on the throne and share important news. Yet, temper that news with how God is still working in our lives.
Let us pray. I am spending more time with the Lord now more than ever. I am ashamed that it took this crisis for me to do that but I trust Jesus forgives me.
Pray more often. Pray not just on your knees but in the car, while fixing a meal, or helping your children and family. Pray that technology will work, your neighbor is well, and God will heal the land. Most of all, pray that we all continue to live in faith and not fear.
The Rev. Monica C. Jones is the director of Christian Education Ministries at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta.
