I’m feeling it. The pressure. The panic. The need for a fully stocked fridge and a closet filled with Lysol and toilet paper. Two weeks ago I thought it was overkill to see the masked people walk through the airport, but now I’m continuously hand-sanitizing myself and my children.
What we are experiencing as a world, as a nation, and as individuals is unchartered territory. We don’t know how to act or think because we’ve never been in this position before. Sure, we’ve experienced trials in our lives ranging in various levels of seriousness, but we’ve not collectively all participated in the same pandemic as the Coronavirus is forcing into. It’s as much of a medical crisis as it is a financial crisis at this point and our hearts are hurting for those who are losing lives as well as those who are losing businesses and/or jobs that have taken a lifetime to build.
So how do we stay sane in a world filled with COVID-19?
First of all we PRAY. It’s an obvious answer, but often underrated. However, prayer changes EVERYTHING! God’s Word promises that He hears us when we pray. He says, “Call on Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12) The key is that we must “call and come” to Him with our fears and anxiety in this moment. He alone holds the universe in the palm of His hand, so why wouldn’t we call upon His name during this time? Pray to the One who has the power to see us through this pandemic.
Next we PREPARE to comply with the government issued mandates set in place for our protection. That doesn’t mean that we go overboard and hoard all the tissue we can find, but it does mean that we respect their authority and adhere to their direction. But don’t stop there. Find a way to be a light in the darkness by sharing a favorite Scripture on social media or by offering to get your elderly neighbor’s groceries on your next run. Take opportunities to point others to Jesus while they’re looking for peace.
Speaking of peace, the final tip to staying sane during this time is to focus on the PEACE that only He can provide. Isaiah 26:3 says that “He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him.” I don’t know about you, but I could use some perfect peace right about now. But the only way that I can receive this peace is to let my mind be controlled by the Spirit and to trust in Him…completely…even as the news reports worsen, even when I’m overwhelmed with homeschooling my children, even when I don’t understand the widespread of this disease, even if my bank account is steadily declining…I can still trust Him and receive His perfect peace.
Pray with confidence that He is listening. Prepare to be the light. And find perfect peace by trusting in Him.
April, thank you so much! Yes, we all need encouragement and peace. It can really be a time to share God light and love. We must dig in His word, because the world around us does not offer peace right now. I agree, we must trust and really believe God is in control in all of this. We are promised that we will face trials, but we don’t have to face them alone!
April, your writing is so perfect! I enjoy your blogs. You’re right, we need to be the light for others that are still in the dark. Show others all the fruits of his spirits. Well said, friend!!
Thank you, Friend! So thankful that we have a God who gives us perfect peace.