5.15 What does the Bible teach about facing a crisis?

First of all you may realise that whatever happens, Jesus is with you (Mt 28:20). Very often the Bible invites you: "Do not be afraid" (Is 43:1; Lk 12:32). You may have thought you were in control, so now that you have lost control you are afraid. In response, try to surrender to the strength that God wants to give you (1 Chr 16:11; Ps 27:1). This is not a strength that will put you in control of everything. It does much more: by accepting your vulnerability and spreading God’s love where you can, you are countering the evil that caused this crisis because you do not give in to selfish fear. Beware, crisis is no excuse for selfishness! Quite the contrary: only “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Share with those in need rather than selfishly hoard supplies.

Here are five Bible verses that can help you:

1. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually” (1 Chr 16:11).

2. “God is love… There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:16-19).

3. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

4. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

5. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me” (Ps 23:1-4).