Are you enjoying the change of pace demanded by social distancing rules? Is your less hectic life giving you a chance to rest and regroup? Or, is more time on your hands and in your own company a case for anxiety and additional stress?
It is rather eerie to see so few people engaging in normal activities, except in the grocery stores where even the senior hour feels much more crowded than usual. Social scientists are eagerly tracking and researching how we are responding to the epic changes from the coronovirus pandemic, particularly the reduction in frenetic activities and busyness. Even seismologists report greater quietude and decrease in stress-producing pollutants in the earth’s crust and interior, in the air, and in the oceans with the decreased human activity.
For some, this season will increase family bonding, conflict resolution, and positive communication. For others who already struggle with fear, depression, or other emotional challenges, this temporary “new normal” can be devastating and filled with many new worries and distressing thoughts or feelings. Isolation galvanizes us into a new mode, bringing out the best in many and exacerbating the distress of others. We are seeing dramatic and creative acts of kindness, altruism, and positivity in conjunction with an upsurge in need for human services (financial security, food, shelter, health care, domestic violence and mental health services, etc.)
So, what do we do if our world looks more bleak and dangerous, and we are drowning in a negative spiral?
The problem is that often those most vulnerable to life’s unforeseen and substantial changes are least able to cope well with the current crises and complications. They don’t have reserves of finances or resources to carry them through and the added weight of extreme trials may send them over the edge in some way.
This makes it even more important for each of us to reach out in kindness and care as we are able. It may feel more natural to self-protect and keep gracious acts in check, but it is essential for all of us that we rise to a higher level of compassion for each other. Many national and religious leaders such as President Trump, Queen Elizabeth and the Pope communicate this message in their public addresses.
Tenderness and consideration for others grow out of a deep assurance of our own value as people and a conviction that God is still in control. He is loving, faithful, and able to care for us in the circumstances. Scriptures remind us of these truths in numerous places:
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him
Jeremiah 9:24 Let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 121:8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Matthew 6:8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
Perhaps now is the time for each of us to strengthen our relationship with Jesus and get to know Him more deeply. He is the one with the answers for this time, and He has words of grace, peace, and direction appropriate for each one. As we let Him calm our own hearts, we are able to hear His voice as He guides us to give comfort and encouragement to those He places in our paths.
The Lord is still at work during this pandemic, and He has chosen to do amazing things through His people. Let’s stand together as lights in a time of darkness.
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21
How have you experienced God’s care in recent weeks?
What stories do you have of God’s work through you to care for others? Please tell about them below and share this article with your friends.
(c) 2020 Holly Craw
Designed to Draw Near 