"Fear?"...a poem (pandemic-timely, I think!)

FEAR?  During a global pandemic that is only growing worse? ("But we're believers!")  YES...and NO.  YES, if we mean being concerned enough to take appropriate preventative measures seriously; NO, if we mean cower-in-the-corner panic. God's children are not automatically immune to the corona virus!  It's totally unrealistic to brush away any social restrictions imposed for everyone's safety, saying that God will protect his people from the disease, making it unnecessary to pay heed to the precautions..

It's also unrealistic to protest the measures by saying they go against one's "rights". I can't believe some of the reactions to these regulations I've heard and read about. ("Tyranny!"  Really???)

Potentially fatal diseases need to be "feared" and taken seriously (respected, if you will)...but because we trust our God's love, wisdom and timing,  we need not panic.  Healthy fear, not panic.  Let's face things realistically, thank God that He is our anchor - no matter what...and then, please, obey the Golden Rule and wear a mask while you social-distance!

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          Here's a poem that says pretty much what I'm trying to get across.

                                                          Fear? 

                                Fear can force out our clear thinking...
                                but it also can spare us pain.
                                Right fears protect and free us,
                                wrong ones drive us insane.

                                Lord, I need You to help find the balance
                                that I've not always understood,
                                as "fear" can have so many faces;
                                some fears are bad, some good.

                                Though I may not always discern them
                                the way that I wish I could,
                                You know what I fear...but shouldn't
                                and You know what I don't fear...but should!
                                                                                              ----Becky Rhon
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Encouraging Words from our Lord when pondering the unknowns, chaos and vulnerabilities of these times:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."    (I Peter 5:6-7)

                                        "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."                                                                                                                                 (Philippians 4:6-7)