A Remedy for a Troubled Mind

John 14:26

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Without question the subject dominating everyone’s conversation as I write this article is the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly every telecast, broadcast, newspaper article, advertisement, and water-cooler conversation centers around the impact this disease is having on humanity. I dare say one cannot go anywhere and escape conversation about this generational challenge. As such, I am compelled to address this issue.

You may encounter someone who would dare say, “…I’m not worried, the Lord is going to take care of me.” I don’t question that individual’s faith, but I do question their acceptance with reality. Note, to be aware of your surroundings and current events does not mean that you don’t have faith. Faith does not provide a means of denying reality: faith in God means God will make away in spite of what I see.

When Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan, there really were giants in the land. The difference was the ten spies who brought back the evil report (declaring, “we’re like grasshoppers in our eyes”) saw the situation through their strength. Joshua and Caleb (declaring instead, “let us go up at once…we are well able”) saw the promise and power of God in spite of the giants. We don’t ignore this disease; however, we see God as the One who will bring us through.

Perhaps you are concerned about your job, paying your rent or purchasing food. Perhaps you work in the medical profession, you are a first responder, or you work in law enforcement, or in another profession that requires you to interact with the public. To add to this, you don’t have the proper equipment to protect yourself. These are all reasons to be concerned – it is perfectly natural to be concerned. And you have biblical company.

After his victory on Mount Carmel against the 400 prophets of Baal and the 450 prophets of the grove, Elijah became concerned when Queen Jezebel declared she would have the great prophet’s head. Elijah became so despondent that he considered suicide. King David became despondent upon returning to Ziklag only to discover his family and possessions (and the same for the six hundred men following him) taken by the Philistines. Naomi was discouraged after her husband and two sons died during the famine and forced her to return to her homeland. It happens. We can become overwhelmed and concerned. What do we do?

We must first understand when the scriptures use the term “heart”, most often He means the mind. We know this because when the Apostle Paul gives instructions on how to receive salvation, he says “…with the heart man believeth…” (Romans 10:10). It is clear the apostle is referring to the part of man that can think and reason: the mind. In the scripture referenced above, it is clear Jesus is addressing the part of the body in which fear can lodge – the mind. The mind is where thoughts are birthed that envision the worst things happening to you. The mind is where doubt overrides what the Word of God says about His ability to deliver and provide. So, what do we do?

We look at examples in the scriptures. Elijah spoke to God and the Lord reminded him that he wasn’t alone (there were 7,000 more in Israel that hadn’t bowed to Baal). God told Elijah to get up from where he was and get busy. David encouraged himself in the Lord and sought the Lord for guidance. God instructed David to pursue the enemy and he would recover all (I Samuel 30). Finally, the Lord placed Ruth beside Naomi and she ministered to her. Three different people and God met their discouragement in three different ways, but God was with them.

My friend, as God was with them, He is with you. If you are concerned about the events of today, you have not backslidden, and you are not an unbeliever. Look to our Savior and He will meet you where you are. The disciples were concerned and troubled because their Savior was about to leave them. However, Jesus reminded them that He had left something with them: His peace. Our God is familiar with the feelings and emotions you may be experiencing. He is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

I have been telling the saints at Holiness Tabernacle not one of us will be set outdoors. Not one of us will go hungry. Not one of us will go naked or be embarrassed as a result of this virus. I don’t say this of my own wisdom or strength. However, I quote the words of King David, “…I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (Psalms 37:25).

Be encouraged and I bless you in the name of the Lord!