How to Find Peace During Covid Times

Are you feeling anxious? Has peace been just out of reach for you?

There is no doubt that the world has changed drastically since March of 2020. Protective masks, gloves, and distancing have become the norm. Scores of people have died because of this virus called Covid-19.  I understand the many opportunities to grab on to fear. But we do have a choice. You are not powerless. 

It all has to do with focus. Focus means to be aware of what is going on but choosing to look directly to one thing that will override all else. If we choose to focus on Covid, that will impact all we do and see around us. If we choose to focus on politics, that also will penetrate how we think of all things. However, if we choose to focus on God, asking for the Lord’s eyes to see, we will gain strength from the fruit of the Spirit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB). 

First, ask yourself what you believe about God. Does he keep his promises? Is he powerful enough to take care of all the issues in the world? Can I believe what is written in the Bible? How much control does God really have? How you answer these questions will alert you to why you may be fearful.  

David had fears and with good reason. King Saul hunted him down like an animal to kill him. David wasn’t sure who he could trust, he hid in caves, and was always on the run.  

But David chose to focus on God. The Lord never let him down. In the psalms, David writes of his fears to the Lord. He takes them all directly to God who is the source of peace. A great example of this is Psalm 86.  

At the beginning of the psalm, David recognizes who God is. In asking God to bow down his ear, David is recognizing the difference between God and himself. He recognizes that God is all-powerful and is the one with all the answers to his challenges. David humbles himself before the Lord. Do we need to humble ourselves? I encourage you to take care of this yourself. God is very good at humbling people. It’s a lesson many of us need to relearn. It is a painful lesson. Set your mind to be humble and try to avoid the humbling lessons of God (Ouch!).  

In verse two, David humbly proclaims, “You are my God.” Your response to God should be the same. Say it out loud to God … You are my God. This will encourage you to grasp onto this truth with all the benefits it holds. Who is God to you? Meditate on this and maybe write down for future reference of who God is to you. 

In verses 3 and 4, David is requesting that God save him, have mercy on him, and bring joy into his life. Many times, I have also had these needs, and no one can give me the mercy and joy I need as God can. It’s the same for you. Tell God the desires of your heart. He is listening and will answer (verse 7). Remember how good parents love to give good things to their children. God is our greatest parent and loves us beyond what we can understand. He will give you great things as you look to him. 

Are you teachable? Verse 11 shows that David is asking God to show him his ways. Every day there are teaching moments for us from God. Are you aware of them? Wisdom comes from God (refer to Solomon). God is ready to give you the wisdom you need. Just ask him. 

In verse 17, David asks for understanding for those who are against him. He didn’t ask God to spank them or worse, he lovingly asks that they be given eyes to see. He understands that those who are after him are not seeking God and that is why they don’t understand.  

Do we ask that for those who are against us? Through our hurt and pain, we may wish worse things to happen to them. We need to remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:44: Love your enemies. When you pray for them, you can’t help but begin to care about them. 

We have looked at Psalm 86 as one example of releasing fear and grabbing onto peace. There are many examples of this throughout scripture. I encourage you to find them and share them. If we are all keeping our focus on God’s power in our life and world, the world’s power will diminish and not be so powerful in our minds and hearts which will lessen our fears and anxiety. There is something to keeping the Word of God inside of us for it is a living Word. Applying the truth of God is parallel to putting on the armor of God.  

During these unprecedented times, the armor is a necessary defense against the evil forces that surround us (Ephesians 6:10-18). Because of God, we are not defeated. Because of God, we are victors. Be encouraged in that truth.