What Happened to "March Madness"?

March is the month for the NCAA men’s basketball annual tournament called “March Madness” – an event in which 68 Division 1 college teams are invited to participate.  In 1939, Henry Porter, an official with the Illinois High School Association, wrote an article called “March Madness” for the organization’s in-house magazine.  Later this term was adopted by NCAA officials for the tournament.

However. this year there is no March Madness – at least as it relates to basketball.  The basketball tournament was cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Obviously, this pandemic has put America and the rest of the world in a panic causing many different emotions including fear, nervousness, worry. anxiety, and stress.  COVID-19 is a virus we don’t want to get exposed to or infected with.  Nor do we want our family or friends exposed or infected.

So how should we handle these emotions that confront us because of the pandemic?  Where should we go to get comfort, encouragement and help in time of need?  In the Bible, Hebrews 4:16 gives us an answer. It says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  In other words, we should turn to God.  The psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).  In John 14:11 Jesus said, “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.”

There are several implications for us in these scripture verses.  (1) We need to pray.  (2) God is the one who will help us. (3) We can expect God’s help even when we are in trouble.  (4)  Peace is available to us.  The common theme is that we need to turn to God and put our fears, our nervousness, our worry, our anxiety, and our stress in His hands.

Facing the Unknown

With the COVID-19 virus situation we are basically facing the unknown.  What joys will be ours?  What difficulties will we experience?  How will we respond to the positives and the negatives?  Many years ago, king Jehoshaphat of Israel faced an army that was huge and powerful and about to annihilate them.  In prayer, he came before God and said,   “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (II Chronicles 20:12).  What great advice and a wonderful example he gave for us to follow.  When the unknown is before us – whatever that may be – we should keep our eyes on God.  Here are a few reasons why we should keep our eyes on God.

1)      God is more powerful than any situation we may face.  “Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:4).

2)      God is always ready to answer us and show us what we do not know.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

3)      God wants us to come into His presence at any time—even when we are weak and weighed down with concerns.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

So, how are you doing at facing a world with COVID-19?  Are you Unsure?  Tense?  Concerned?  Fearful?  Doubtful?  Discouraged?  Perplexed?  When faced with some of these feelings, try the Jehoshaphat solution.  Keep your eyes on God and entrust yourself to Him.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

(With some minor changes, this blog is copied from one published in 2013.)