Fear can cause us to do crazy things sometimes. I never thought that I would see the day where people would argue and fight in supermarkets over toilet paper, and yet, here we are.

You see, when we are faced with fear and stress our bodies switch into “fight-or-flight” mode to help us survive, and sadly this has lead to people fighting over rolls of toilet paper as if their lives depended on it.

Psychologists explain that the reason why many people are “panic buying” is because it gives them a sense of security that they are in control of the situation. Because of the uncertain times that we are living in, many of us are feeling out of control, and so having a huge stockpile of toilet rolls at home can help to calm our nerves.

When Jesus’ disciples were faced with the fear and stress of His death He gave them this promise in John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The peace that Jesus promised His disciples was different to the peace that the world gives. The peace that we find in the world is dependent on our situation or circumstances. If our marriages are great, and our jobs are secure, and we have plenty of money, and our health is good, and our cupboards are filled with toilet rolls, then we have plenty of peace. But if our world is falling apart, then so does our peace.

The peace that Jesus gives us is not dependent on our circumstances, but on Him. It is the peace that comes from knowing that no matter

what is happening in the world around us, that God loves us, and He is with us, and He is for us, and He will get us through this crisis.

So, as the world is in chaos because of the COVID – 19 pandemic, I encourage you to find peace not in your supply of toilet rolls, but in Jesus.

Let us keep our World, Nation, families and loved ones in prayer.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai