Raise A Hallelujah – How To Fight Anxiety During A Global Pandemic

“Did you know that the sound of your voice is the most powerful weapon you possess? The best thing you can do in a crisis or disappointment is praise God for who He is despite what is going on around you.” ~ Bethel Music

I’m sure I am not alone in my battle with anxiety these days. The Coronavirus has turned our world upside down. It feels so wrong not being able to hug our loved ones, and being hyperaware about coughing, sneezing and even breathing around one another. Social distancing is unnatural and our hearts ache as we try to adapt to this new normal.

Life right now is not the way it should be, and our lack of control creates high levels of anxiety.

Last Sunday after I watched our church service online, I had a meltdown. My tears were uncontrollable, and rooted deep inside of me. All the fear and worry I had been carrying was coming out. I felt vulnerable and broken as I came face to face with my anxiety.

After I processed my feelings with my family, I felt a righteous anger rise up within me. I was disappointment with myself for having given the enemy such a foothold in my life. You see, I am a strong, faith-filled woman, but last week I crumbled. I fell apart because I wasn’t paying attention to how satan was working in my situation.

The devil is real and as Christians we must be aware of the spiritual battle around us.

I’m not minimizing the reality of my anxiety. I mean, my goodness, how often does everything shut down, and we are told to stay in our homes for weeks on end? In my almost 60 years this has never happened! My fear is very valid. However, I don’t have to live in constant fear. I can do my part in taking the necessary actions of social distancing, proper hygiene, and taking care of my physical health. In regards to my emotional and spiritual health, however, I can have a better awareness of how and when the enemy attacks.

So with faith as small as a mustard seed, I reminded myself of what my pastor has been telling us for weeks – to rise up. As the warrior that I am in Jesus’s army, I need to fight with authority!

The Coronavirus is a relentless enemy causing, amongst other things, separation, distance and isolation amongst mankind. It’s indifferent to its hosts, has no preferences, and has come to steal, kill and destroy. What makes it even more challenging is that we are facing an invisible enemy. The lack of control we have is causing the battle with anxiety to be fierce.

My daughter encouraged me with this worship song by Bethel and said, “this song has become an anthem for me each morning.” Take a minute to listen to it.

We the Church need to rise up and fight. We need to raise a Hallelujah to our Lord, in the presence of our enemy!

Honestly, I don’t like giving that bully (satan) a lot of attention, but too many Christians don’t give him enough thought. In 1 Peter 5:8 the Bible warns us to “stay alert” because our enemy, satan, prowls around like a roaring lion looking to see who is vulnerable for him to attack.

I’m not sure why, but many Christ followers seem to be naive or even intimidated by this truth. Jesus often spoke to demons and commanded them to listen to Him. We need to do the same. In fact, Jesus has given us the same authority and power (in His name) to fight off the enemy (Luke 10:19).

So, how do we do this? How do we fight the devil and his forces? We can pray with authority, read the Word of God and claim His promises over our lives. But there is one other way that is often forgotten- praise and worship.

Fighting anxiety through praising and worshipping God is one of the most powerful things we can do during this global pandemic.

When we sing praises in the midst of our fear, doubt, and suffering, heaven invades the earth. God’s glory comes into our hearts, as we allow access to His power, grace and love. Bethel in a blog post wrote, “As we continually give thanks to God we are building a gate—a place of entrance and access—for the King of Glory to come into our current situation. (Psalm 24:7).”

I’ve taken a turn this week with this new mindset. I have decided to fight this battle of fear, angst and worry through focusing on who God is. He is the creator of the universe. He is still sitting on the throne and He is still sovereign. This virus is no surprise to Him. Today, I am learning to punch satan in the face by ignoring him, and focusing on singing praises to Jesus “a little louder.” May we all learn to do that, and may our praises “roar, so that from the ashes hope will arise.”

We, the children of God have Jesus living inside of us, and in His strength we can crush an army; with God we can scale any wall.

Psalm 18:29

You and I can still live victoriously even when life is difficult (Living Victoriously When Life Is Difficult). The reality is life is hard and we will face challenging seasons. These trials, however, remind us of our need for a savior. It is in these broken seasons that we have the opportunity to become a mighty warrior for Christ and His kingdom. Our struggles stretch us and teach us how strong we can be when we invite Jesus to be by our side (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

Yes, life is extremely disruptive right now, and there is a lot of fear and worry wrapped into all that comes with the Coronavirus. We must, however, keep reminding ourselves that we are not alone in our battle with anxiety. Jesus Christ is with us, and He has has given us a powerful weapon to fight this attack: our voices. You must decide to use this tool and begin to use your mouth for His glory. Resist the devil (fear, worry, anxiety) and he will flee. Despite what’s going on around you, the best thing you can do is to praise our Savior in the midst of this storm.

“…His faithful promises are your armor and protection. ~ Psalm 91:4b