There are two kinds of people. Those that see when you’re calm and remain calm and those that see when you’re calm and still choose to be anxious.
Right now, the whole world is going through a storm with the COVID-19 virus spread. The scriptural label for it is the perilous pestilence (Psalm 91).

When I picture the storm, I am reminded of the story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus (Mathew 8:23-27). Jesus was asleep in the boat.

Asleep!

I watched a short video clip of what the situation would have been like. In the video, the disciples were in the boat wrestling with the sails. It wasn’t a boat with a secure lower deck, so Jesus was right there with them as the boat rocked violently from side to side. He laid in a sleeping ball as the water poured in from the skies and from the sea.
As I watched, I kept yelling as though the actors could hear me – “There is no way you cannot feel that! There is no way you can be asleep!”
Like the disciples, I share in the confusion and fear of the situation.

If today I was in the boat with Jesus, I would look at him with my human eyes and say, “We are all going to die!” 😭
Jesus knew it wasn’t his time to die in that boat. But I would panic because I would have no clue or idea. Jesus is calling us to look unto him and remain calm.

The story ends with Jesus calming the storm. He looks at his disciples and rebukes them for their lack of faith.

So, I ask today…Do you have faith?

It is important to note some things:

1.  …He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

Sometimes the real test during the storm is the test of your faith. The one who is the same yesterday, today and forever is never asleep. He knows the future and is in control. If you believe that he is in control of the situation then you can rest. Read the scripture again. This time replace ‘Israel’ with your name.

Psalm 121:4 – Indeed, he who watches over (your name) never slumbers or sleeps.

2. We have been given a spirit of power.

We receive the Spirit of God by faith (Galatians 3:14). Through the Spirit, we receive the power that denotes strength, a sense of security, boldness, and courage.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3. We have received a spirit of love.

1 John 4:18 says ‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.’

When we know that we are loved, we feel we are secure without condemnation or thoughts that we will be harmed.

4. We have been given a spirit of self-control.

I was earnestly looking for the scripture that spoke of a sound mind because I couldn’t understand how self- control or self-discipline helped me to overcome fear.
When I thought deeper, I was able to see this as being patient and remaining calm when humanly I can be on edge and restless.
It’s more than just mental control, it is physical control, emotional control, and spiritual control. It is having a gentle and quiet spirit. It is not being anxious.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.