As stated in Part 1, we live in dangerous times. Covid19 has spread its lethal tentacles all over the world. It has silently crept in the hovels of the poor and into the mansions of the rich, powerful and famous. The virus is not a respecter of persons. Fear abounds. None can escape the touch of its cold hand.

How should a Christian deal with fear in “Seasons of Danger”?  The advice the Puritan John Flavel (1628-1691) gave to Christians in England long ago,  is relevant today. 

Two points that Flavel makes are:

Reasonable fear

Some fear is reasonable. He calls this “cautional preventative fear”. This is fear that”opens our eyes” to foresee danger and take reasonable steps to protect ourselves.

Unreasonable fear

Another kind of fear is not reasonable.This kind of fear “invades the heart” and unfits the heart for duty”. It “distracts”, It “drives men upon unlawful means and brings a snare with it”. In other words it can lead to sin.

What is this unreasonable fear about which Flavel warns? It is “the fear of diffidence” which is fear arising out of our failure to trust God in dangerous situations, one of which is this pandemic.

We must guard against this at all costs.

How to guard against unreasonable fear

Trust fully in God in all things and at all times.

Remember

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Nothing, including COVID19 can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 43:1-2 Romans 8:39

Praise the Lord