There are many questions whirling around us as we navigate through this unprecedented time in history. Not only has the globe gone into a complete upheaval, our own personal lives have been rocked. There are a myriad of unanswered questions. What we have known to be normal has become a thing of the past. We have all experienced the moment in time when everything has changed. Together, we have experienced a life-altering event that will forever change the way we do life.
I think one of our first reactions to a crisis is to try to bring some normalcy to our lives. We grasp for whatever we can find that will give us a foothold, so to speak. I think it could be much like the feeling of drowning... it feels as if there is no bottom to this ocean. My dear readers and friends, I pray that in this worldwide upheaval, you will find that bottom... that solid rock to stand on.
“Everyone who hears my (Jesus’) teachings and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakeable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation.” Matthew 7:24-25 It is not too late to build that foundation. It starts by acknowledging that you need Jesus. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6 Next, start taking steps to build your life by reading His Word and fellowship (pray, talk) with Him each day; developing a lifestyle based on godly principles.
As we build on that solid foundation, there are a few other steps we can take to help bring some normalcy to our lives in this worldwide crisis. If you are mostly at home, try to create some type of routine. Regular bedtime and wake-up times will bring continuity to your home. Make a list of projects you’d like to attempt. Create a schedule of sorts... keeping meal times regular and eating together as a family. Keep talk light-hearted around the table to ease tension and fears. Watch old comedy shows. Spend some time doing something creative. The sweet peas and I spent some time watching an online drawing video and created a few pictures just for the fun and experience. It felt great to create and to sit down together, working on a fun project for no reason except for togetherness and experience. Phone a friend or share with your partner the emotions you are dealing with during this uncertainty. If you know of a praying friend, ask for prayer. Play calming music or upbeat music, depending on your mood. Have a bath. Take a walk. Ride your bike. Throw a ball around. Walk your dog. Write your book. Do an online class. Get filled up with great online teaching and preaching. Sing. Or read a book.
Before I sign off, I also want to encourage you to encourage yourself. I’ve had a few hard days (not because of COVID-19);and knowing I needed to encourage myself, I’ve taken extra time to rest, read the Word, read a good book and listen/sing to some worship music to feed my soul. I feel faith rising and strength returning. The Psalmist David had to encourage himself when the troops were gathering to kill him. In his great distress, he “strengthened himself in the Lord His God.”
Stay tuned for more on this next week. Be encouraged dear readers! We’ll get through this!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
