By Dr Agnes Tan
By tomorrow it would have been two weeks since Singapore initiated a circuit breaker to curb the spread of COVID-19. In times like this where fears and anxieties are overwhelming, I am encouraged by this hymn—“Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through ev’ry day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you.”
As we adjust to a new way of living and working, let us learn how we are to treat one another and live under God’s hand during these challenging days.
Firstly, clothe yourselves with humility (1 Peter 5:5-6). Peter describes humility as a protective clothing. It shows believers how they should respond to each other and how they should stand under God. You see, the believers in Asia Minor were experiencing persecutions and it was in this situation that Peter tells them to submit to God’s providence. Similarly, in everything, we need to be humble before God.
Secondly, cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (v. 7). The word “cast” means to put responsibility for something onto someone else; to hand it over to be taken care of by another. Peter says to put the full weight of your anxieties upon God’s shoulders. Give Him all your problems. We can surely trust Him can as we look to the cross and the empty tomb.
Thirdly, be alert and sober minded. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (v. 8). Spiritual warfare is serious business. As you are being cooped up at home and find ways to entertain yourselves, Satan is also busy trying to pull you away from the Lord. Be careful. Keep watch.
Finally, stand firm in your faith (v. 9). Suffering, however it comes, is part of the normal Christian life. You can endure it. You are not alone. And what’s more, when everything is over, “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (v. 10).