According to at least one site, the number one video that went viral in 2019 was a 17 second clip that showed a dad dragging his daughter through an airport. He had a grip on the hood of her little pink jacket and she was just lying flat, gliding across the floor. No crying. Just silently scooting along.

It made me and thousands of others laugh out loud!

But humorous videos are not the only thing that goes viral in our media crazed society. Partial information, misinformation, speculations, half-truths and opinions are passed along at incredible speeds to an unsuspecting society. Comments are taken as facts. Panic fuels reactions and soon fear reigns as the common emotion.

In part, that process has been happening with the Coronavirus. In spite of what we might hear on the TV or read in social media, the current risk assessment associated with COVID-19 as reported by the CDC (as of 3/4/20)  is:

• “For most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
• People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated, though still relatively low risk of exposure.
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.”

I list all those informed facts to underscore the importance of dealing with fear from a factual perspective. Perhaps in place of abject panic (over this current issue or any other thing that robs us of our peace), we should take the time to focus on the spiritual peace that the Lord promises His kids.

Consider the words of John 16:33: “I have told you these things so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Don’t miss the significance of the phrase, “…in ME you may have peace.” Our peace is found in a person. It is demonstrated in a relationship. Fear creeps in when we try to do life without Him.

Remember His promise to us all is, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in YOU.” (Isa. 26:3)

As we trust in HIM, we certainly should take to heart the practical and reasonable suggestions that the health community is emphasizing right now: stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth when you cough, check in with your doctor if you have a fever, and wash your hands continually.

But let’s be a community of faith. And let’s make sure these verses of comfort go viral instead of the “panicked message” we are hearing all around us.