These are unprecedented times. The Coronavirus COVID-19 has consumed the airwaves, media publications and conversations worldwide. This outbreak evokes fear in many, reveals our medical limitations and forces continual adjustments in our lives. This is a season and a year none of us will ever forget. Yet, with the fast-changing COVID-19 updates, there are some things we must learn (and adapt to) in this time. If you didn’t learn some things during a time of peace, now you have to learn them during a time of pandemic.
1) Monitor your thoughts — The news in general is usually sad and depressing. If you have an anxious disposition, or worry easily, watching the news only exacerbates your mental condition. Monitor your thoughts and examine what you are feeding on. Here is a great (and popular) Bible verse on this topic:
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2) Find peace and pursue it — Along with the first point, The Bible is clear that you can have peace even in the midst of trials, but there is a right way to receive it. Some of us want peace while living contrary to God’s laws and then wonder why we never receive it. Peace is a spiritual gift and The Father will give us this peace if we ask and exercise our faith in Him. Here are some verses to remember on the topic:
Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
2 Thess 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
3) Seek contentment wherever you are — Sometimes the conveniences in society spoil us and affect our ability to cope when life does not go the way we want. Learn how to adapt to change and be content in situations you cannot change. Get creative and work with what you have instead of complaining about what you don’t. It will help your sanity.
Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
4) Learn and grow — So you are ‘stuck’ at home. What are you doing with the extra time you have? Are you taking this time to grow and advance your mental and physical faculties? Utilize this time wisely and make great use of it by studying more, spending time with your family and friends (physically and virtually) and in self-reflection. Prov 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
5) Invest In Your Health — Your health can often be something you only consider after you have squandered it. There are countless resources that speak of the benefits of proper diet, exercise, sunlight, fresh air and rest, but many of us were too busy to put these into practice. Now, we have no excuse. Invest in your health starting TODAY! Check out our Health page for more resources.
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
More than ever, we need to help and support others during this time. If you are struggling to function in your daily life, or need help physically, socially or mentally, please see the resources listed below:
- If you need immediate help, call 911.
- If you are feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- If you need help with groceries click here.
- If based in the US-East Coast, click here for a mental consultation.
- If based in the US-West Coast, click here for mental health resources and hotline numbers.