The Power of Fear—Why Disney’s Closure Causes Panic
The Coronavirus conspiracy theories fly.
The realities soak in as more sicken.
And there remains—Not even a scrap. Of Toilet paper. To be purchased. Anywhere.
The toilet paper catastrophe speaks volumes. It says people are taking the threat seriously. Sincerely enough to empty the shelves of milk, bread, and TP. Just in case. And I found myself swept up in the throng with my octogenarian mother—who I encouraged to re-stock her shelves, but I found myself deep in the thick of it, grabbing my own items with abandon—cause everyone else was.
Of course, the serious attention now being taken could be less about the CDC edicts and more about the concerts being canceled right and left and the NBA, MLB, Broadway, and Disney all shuttering their doors in the same week.
This illuminates some particulars we trust in. Churches meet every week. Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday. And Disney is open 365 days a year.
But when the largest churches are dark. And Disney shuts down. On. Spring. Break.
People freak out and panic begins to seep in.
Oh Mickey!
At least Chick-fil-a hasn’t failed us. For now.
I’ve tried to be cool-headed about the daily information slam. But when business greed is willingly starved by closures, I look deeper at my nonchalance and come up with one explanation.
I’m in denial.
With that scantling of doubt, the sky falls a bit and an inkling of anxiety raises its head. Worry niggles itself into my stomach. I feel like I’m living the surreal—stuck in an apocalyptic horror movie full of town-folk who fear leaving their homes. So I cast my thoughts toward who I know and love that might be a prized candidate for a ravenous virus.
And fear begins to strangle.
Fear slithers like a boa constrictor. As the uncoiling begins, it induces us to shrink away. It snakes around, pushing us to act in ways we normally wouldn’t. It devours all in its path and hungers for more.
It is not of God.
Unless we consciously fight the serpent of fear— it will suffocate us.
Reading God’s promises offers the sword we need to combat this disquiet in our souls. Be still, soak deep these truths and take courage, my friend.
1. …Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. Heb 13:5
2. Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. PS 5:11-12
3. For God so loved the world, he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
4. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
5. He brought me out in a broad place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Ps 18:19
6. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps 23:1-4
7. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Ps 26:3
Though I have no guarantee of my health or what the future may hold, I know who I belong to, I know that I am beloved, and I know where my home is. He wants you to release your fears and have that confidence too.
Though man and medicine will fail me with swift repetition,
God Will Never Fail me.
Like Mickey just did.
