Anybody else want to sell their ticket on the coronavirus rollercoaster? Anyone tired of the up and down uncertainty of hype versus truth? Anybody experiencing the “up” of that early morning, peaceful awakening, then the “plunge” into realization that normal flew out the window days ago? Any others struggling to corral legitimate concerns so they don’t stampede into fears?
Yeah. Me too. That age old battle ensues as the Enemy, both slyly and outright, attacks the fruit of the Spirit within us, attempting to veer us off the path of love, joy and peace. Patience and kindness. Goodness and faithfulness. Gentleness and self-control. He attempts to plant and cultivate seeds of fear, animosity, selfishness, anger, neglect, impulsiveness, and frustration.
We have the lists of what to remember to do in battling the physical aspects of COVID-19. But what about these emotional and spiritual tensions resulting from the constant, everywhere-you-turn focus on changes, challenges and “what ifs”.
Following is a short-list of 4 reminders to add to our to-dos that will help us combat the emotional and spiritual aspects of this surreal ride we find ourselves on:
1. Remember who is in control. Not the government. Not the news. Not the virus. But God. The mighty, powerful, warrior King who rules heaven and earth also holds our life in His hands and is seated right beside us on this ride. He does not carry a passive indifference about the situation, but is active and working for and through His People.
2. Remember to let Jesus in before we let the world in. Beth Moore spoke these words at a conference last summer. My soul responded with a hearty “a-men”, but finds it even more poignant today. Before we rise from our bed, the impulsive temptation hits to grab our phones and check the latest texts, news headlines, and social media posts, accelerating the plunge. Instead, we need to pull our hand back from our devices and take a breath. Close our eyes. And say good morning to our Abba Father. Glorify Him for who He is. Thank Him for what He has done. Ask Him for strength and peace as we walk through our day. Pray He will keep us centered on Him, instead of what’s happening around us.
3. Remember to ramp up our spiritual walk instead of screen time. When we have more thoughts and opinions rolling around in our heads about COVID-19 than we do truths about God, it’s time to reel it in. With all the cancellations and shelter in place cautions, we may have more time on our hands. Let’s use it wisely. Schedule some serious screen suspensions. Less Netflix, more God fix. Less social media tension, more quiet time with Jesus. Less news, more Good news. And when stress or fear start to creep into our peace, we do not need to put on a brave face for our Father. We confess our anxiety to Him, then sit still in His presence or feast in the Word until the angst melts away.
4. Remember to be aware of and supportive to those around us who were suffering before the pandemic or are extra vulnerable now. Those battling cancer or suffering loss. Those facing a financial or physical hardship. Those in relational turmoil. The elderly. All whose hurts and suffering may now be magnified. As God reminds us or brings these dear ones across our path, we pray for wisdom and compassion, then proceed in loving and serving them.
Whether this ride lasts a few more weeks or a few more months, God’s love, provision and peace remain strong and sure. They don’t sell out or get used up. Our God doesn’t self-quarantine or practice social distancing. He is closer than a brother and remains our Rock and our Fortress. Our Friend and our Savior. We echo David’s words:
“For the Lord is the great God,
The great King above all gods.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power,
And the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
For everything in heaven and earth is yours.
In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
And praise your glorious name.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Psalm 94:3-6
