Hey, guys, you're listening to a brief bonus episode here at the messy table because we are all consumed with what's happening around the world and in our own cities regarding COVID-19.

Yes, all our plans have been interrupted. Jobs, events, trips, school, even ordinary runs to the grocery store.

My family was supposed to be in Florida right now for a little spring break get away with the kids, but that didn't happen.

I know we've all been disappointed with one thing or another.

Even more importantly, there are real human lives at stake.

So let's continue to fight back with bold prayers and by doing whatever we can, washing our hands, physically distancing ourselves,

by being irrationally generous to those who need some extra love at this time, and by handing out

grace by the bucketfuls, yes to others, and to ourselves. So the main reason I wanted to jump on here

is because the coronavirus isn't the only contagious thing attempting to be widespread.

Y'all fear and panic and anxiety is threatening to paralyze us. But fear is not from God.

As I was flipping through my Bible, I was reminded of so many people from the past who were facing fear-inducing circumstances.

Yet they were commanded to have no

fear. I don't know about you, but this is the time I need to let my heart be saturated with the

word of God. To be reminded when God himself or an angel of God appeared to people like Abraham,

Jacob, Gideon, Mary, they were told consistently, do not fear. And listen,

it's not that what they were up against wasn't scary or uncertain, I promise you it was.

But still, the command remained. God told Israel in Isaiah 4110, don't be afraid, for I am with you.

Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my

victorious right hand. In the middle of the night, in the middle of a storm, with winds howling and waves thrashing,

Jesus spoke the words, don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here. Then, when he had just resurrected, Jesus first

appeared to the woman at the tomb, which would be pretty startling, someone they had just seen dead

three days earlier. But he told them, don't be afraid. In John 1427, Jesus said, I am leaving you

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