Candid Admissions Regarding COVID-19

Most of us have been actively dealing with the COVID-19 situation for nearly two months now, and it often seems there is no end in sight. The hardest thing for me has been isolation. Even though I am working, I have been separated from those who are most special to me. When I have needed them most, I have missed my church family, which is the heart of my support network.

That drives me deeper to God. He is the best source of comfort, help, and strength, and He has been dear to me. I wish I could say I have spent precious hours in His Word. I am finding verses to help me, for sure, but in general the added pressures of work and living have limited my energy for extended reading and study. I'm spending more time talking to God, working through things, letting Him know about my day and my thoughts and struggles. I have thrived most on music, listening to and playing hymns. There is something about music that is soothing and comforting, and it helps me find the words that my heart wants to say. Sometimes I just sit and listen to hymn after hymn, allowing the truths they express to envelop me.

The isolation from church has in some ways contributed to increasing closeness. I have talked with church friends almost daily, sometimes praying, sometimes crying, sometimes sharing, sometimes listening. I have had cards, texts, emails, and Facebook interaction. I've had more face-to-face contacts than I would have expected. I've had people bring me food, acquire and deliver medical supplies, and offer help. When I talk with church members, they often mention others who have also ministered to them. Seeing the multiple ways in which we have been able to care, support, and interact with each other even while separated makes me love and appreciate my church even more.

My early response to the virus was disbelief. The far-away situation seemed like it never would affect us. The initial responses seemed extreme, even shocking, an extreme overreaction. I still pretty much feel that way, but I also see the difficult position leaders are in when the American public has the unreasonable expectation that leaders should prevent all deaths. The attempt to accomplish that has been tumultuous and damaging.

When things got crazy, I quickly realized that my primary challenge is figuring out how to live life as it currently exists. I don't mean the practical things like grocery shopping; I mean responding mentally, emotionally, spiritually. In order not to be completely overwhelmed, I need God desperately, and I need His Word desperately. My primary focus in life has become seeking inner stability. Sometimes I do okay with that, but lots of times I feel overwhelmed - stabilized enough to continue on with life, but certainly not comfortable.

I have sometimes seen the need for humor or for something ordinary to temporarily distract from the constant impact of the virus. Sometimes there is the need to commiserate with friends, hearing their frustrations and fears and sharing my own. And yes, sometimes there is frustration with leaders and restrictions.

People respond differently. Sometimes that is based on their situation in life. For example, some people are home right now with their families and with extra time to relax. As far as life goes, they are surrounded by love and even having special times that are helping them to get through the difficulties. Since I don't have that, it is the primary focus of my interactions with others. Whether by phone or Facebook, I am primarily seeking to support and be supported because those are my only venues to do that.

Those who already have those basic needs met often come to the phone or to Facebook with other needs and responses. If they have time off, they also have plenty of time to be exposed to and consider other aspects of this difficult time. May I refer to these as verbal barrages, political arguments, and conspiracy theories? Frankly, those things are outside my capacity to deal with and provide more overwhelming pressure. To me, it doesn't matter how this started; it did start. My focus is on dealing with it.

Sometimes I call people to check on them or just to chat, but it is likely that if I call, it is either because I am overwhelmed or because I know I soon will be without interaction. I can't handle being more overwhelmed by the content of the phone call. Same with Facebook. I want to see friends' posts because they provide some level of connection with people, but the rants and conspiracy theories drag me down.

I know people are on Facebook for various reasons. Some use it primarily as a political platform. I usually don't follow those people, because I am there primarily for connections with people. Lately, political-type posts have been increasing, and I'm not saying no one should share those things, but it does make it harder for me to have a support network that doesn't overwhelm me. I want to have what I described earlier in this post - a drawing closer rather than a pushing apart. Sadly, I feel like I'm temporarily losing some of my friends when I need them most.

We all have to deal with pressures and frustrations. Some people are responding with shootings and public threats - people who wouldn't normally do such things, but they are currently pushed by overwhelming pressures that cloud their responses. I understand that my friends also have the same pressures; rather than shooting people, they are speaking or posting frustration. So I cut them some slack, but God has taught me hard lessons that make me prefer hurt and tears over frustration and anger. I realize this world is not perfect, and that can be upsetting, but I'm a stranger here, trying to reflect God during my earthly sojourn. I need support in doing that.

God Doesn't Run Out

"They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights" (Psalm 36:8).

There are things God never runs out of. Even after many centuries, His supplies are more than sufficient. In spite of the millions who have drawn from His storehouses, He still has plenty to spare.

One reason for the unending supply is that God Himself lasts forever. "Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God" (Psalm 90:2). Because God always has existed and always will exist, He can always provide.

Since God never changes, the resources and character that He had in time past continue in the present and will continue in the future. "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17).

So what does God never run out of? What supplies of God are always sufficient?

God never runs out of love. "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).

God never runs out of goodness. "How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You" (Psalm 31:19).

God never runs out of comfort or hope. "Who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope" (II Thessalonians 2:16).

God never runs out of compassion. "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God never runs out of grace. "So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

God never runs of lovingkindness (tender mercies). "Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, for they have been from of old" (Psalm 25:6).

God never runs out of truth. "The truth of the LORD is everlasting" (Psalm 117:2).

God never runs out of faithfulness. "Great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:23).

God never runs out of righteousness. "My righteousness will be forever" (Isaiah 51:8).

God never runs out of light. "You will have the LORD for an everlasting light" (Isaiah 60:20).

God never runs out of the ability to bear burdens. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden" (Psalm 68:19).

God never runs out of the capacity to be a refuge. "The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27).

God never runs out of counsel. "The counsel of the LORD stands forever" (Psalm 33:11).

God never runs out of His status as King. "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever" (Psalm 45:6).

God never runs out of His dominion over the entire earth. "His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him" (Daniel 7:27).

God never runs out of power. "And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Ephesians 1:19).

God never runs out of strength. "In GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock" (Isaiah 26:4).

Christ's redemptive sacrifice for us never runs out. "But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12).

God's salvation never runs out. "He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life" (John 5:24).

Christ's priesthood never runs out. "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever'" (Psalm 110:4).

Christ's intercession for believers never runs out. "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

The Holy Spirit's ministry never runs out. "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever" (John 14:16).

God's Word never runs out. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

God's promises never run out. "So that by two unchangeable things [a promise and an oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18).

Is there something you need? God can take care of daily provision. "If God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?" (Matthew 6:30). Do you need something deeper than daily provision? "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread" (Psalm 37:25).

God has everything He needs to supply everything you need!

How Deep to Hunker

"Hunker down." "Stay at home." These are the instructions we keep hearing. How deeply should we hunker?

1) Hunker deeply enough to decompress. Whether serving on the front lines, working an essential job, homeschooling, or being constantly confined, almost everyone is experiencing extra pressure.

It is important to deal appropriately with those pressures. For most people, that means a certain amount of solitude to devote to activities (or inactivity) that relieve pressure. Don't remain so constantly busy that there is no time to rest. "And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while'" (Mark 6:31).

2) Hunker deeply enough to profit with God. Challenging times are especially suited for spiritual growth. "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:3-4). God wants us to draw near to Him, to grow in Him, and to seek Him as our source of help.

These goals require time with God in prayer and in His Word. Some people have plenty of time available for this. Others, who have limited time, still need it and must find times alone with God. It would be a tragedy if Christians went through this time of trial without learning and growing. "O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You" (Psalm 63:1).

3) Hunker deeply enough to profit with family. Time with children is limited and quickly fleeting. There is so much to teach them and so many ways to influence them. Soon they will be going out on their own. They will need a firm foundation of love and of Biblical training.

For many families, these days provide a priceless gift of unexpected time together. Because of their difficulty, they are especially suited for teaching important life lessons. "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Don't let this God-given opportunity pass without profit for your family.

In hunkering down for personal well-being, spiritual pursuits, and family enrichment, it is possible to hunker too deeply. It is possible to forget those outside your small circle. These days cannot be total isolation from anyone outside the walls of your home.

4) Don't hunker so deeply that you neglect fellow church members. Even though you are temporarily apart, you still need each other. God gave the church as a place where all believers can be part of a family. The New Testament is packed with "one another" instructions, and those instructions are still important. "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11).

A few churches have unusual accommodations for services that allow members to see each other distantly, and some make it possible digitally, but many churches have no visual contact. There must then be contact through other ways - Facebook, emails, phone calls, texts, video calls, regular mail, and meeting physical needs where necessary. Those who are most alone especially need support. Those who are elderly, perhaps technologically challenged and with fewer contacts, need the support of their church. For some people, church is their most important social interaction, and they have already gone weeks without it.

5) Don't hunker so deeply that you forget your pastor. Pastors are faithfully supporting and encouraging their people. They are continuing to bring the Word in very appropriate sermons. They are probably making more phone calls than just about anyone else in the church, trying to check on people. They are working to meet needs of which they are aware. They are praying for their congregations.

Pastors are doing all of this without the benefit of interaction or communication. Many are preaching via video to an empty room. (Some, whose churches lack technology, are not even able to do that.) Pastors are not seeing facial responses, they aren't hearing "amens," they aren't getting feedback as people leave, they aren't hearing people share their needs or tell how a sermon impacted them. The pastor has a solemn duty to meet spiritual needs. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account" (Hebrews 13:17). God can direct pastors even when feedback is limited, but interactions with their congregations provide helpful insights. Help your pastor do his job effectively by letting him know how things are going and what needs and burdens you have. Show him proper esteem by finding ways to let him know of his effective ministry to you.

6) Don't hunker so deeply that you forget the needy. People around the world are hurting, scared, confused, and have many other issues. These are great days for the gospel. The means of interacting with people are severely curtailed, but there are some opportunities, and those will increase as restrictions gradually lift.

Pray for missionaries (and reach out to them). They have unprecedented opportunities in many places around the world. Instead of being part of the chaos that confronts your co-workers, neighbors, families, and friends, be a source of peace. Show Christian love by meeting practical needs where possible. More importantly, display a testimony that shows you have something different in your life - something real - that can help in difficulty. "Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (I Peter 3:15).

In some aspects, the hunkering down is a blessing, as it provides opportunities for rest, communion with God, and increased interaction with family. Enjoy the blessings, but don't forget about those outside your circle. Interact and be a blessing for the good of the church and the gospel. Hunker, but don't disappear.

Practical Tips for Difficult Days

In the past month, life has changed dramatically. Many people find themselves facing challenges and frustrations they did not anticipate. I've compiled a list of ideas to help in these difficult days. Perhaps this list is weeks late, but maybe there are a few tips that can help through the weeks that remain.

1) Acknowledge the reality of the situation. There is a sense of national tragedy and world impact. There is legitimate loss in the lives of individuals. Many plans have been dashed and many disappointments introduced within a short space of time. It is normal to feel those losses. The body, mind, and spirit are interdependent; when one is weak or particularly challenged, the others are also affected. Some people are physically afflicted with illness or increased work demands, some mentally afflicted by information and decisions, and some spiritually/emotionally afflicted by isolation and separation from normal support such as church. All of these have impact, and it is unrealistic to expect no effect from what really are difficult days.

2) Limit the junk. There is already a continual impact on life. 24/7 news coverage and analysis does not help. It is necessary to get enough information to be informed about expectations and proper procedures, but it isn't healthy to be immersed in coronavirus coverage. Turn off the news. Stop reading and spreading Facebook rants. Don't read every possible article and story.

3) Do something calming. Read, cook, play games, sing, work on a project, do art, write poetry, decorate. Give yourself time and opportunities to lower your stress level through helpful activities.

4) Do something to release energy and frustration. If you have increased work pressures, if home schooling is a challenge, or if staying at home is making you crazy, you need to release that in safe ways. Seek physical activity that releases those frustrations. (There are scientific terms for this.) Do yard work, clean the house, do repairs, exercise, play an active game, develop back yard sports.

5) Sleep. Our bodies need sleep, especially in trying times. This isn't the time to stay up all night talking, reading, or watching TV. Don't oversleep, but give your body proper rest.

6) Laugh. Laughter is a gift from God and helps to alleviate tension and negative feelings. See the humor in situations that are currently out of proportion. Remember humorous times from the past. Share humor with family. Take in light-hearted input to counteract all the negativity; this might not be the time for a steady diet of war movies, but maybe Lucille Ball or Dick Van Dyke would be appropriate.

7) Connect with others as best as you can. Make this a special family time, doing activities together, talking with your spouse, teaching your children. Don't forget those outside your immediate family. Reach out to others. If you are alone, pick up the phone. Call people. Do video chats if possible so that you see faces.

8) Love. In difficult days, we especially need love. Hugs, touching, and even verbal expressions have much benefit. Cuddle extra with your kids. Hold hands. Do something special, maybe something creative for others in your house. Encourage others. If you are alone, this is harder, but seek ways to share love with others. Make cards, make phone calls, pray together, really talk and really listen. Be thoughtful and especially kind in the words you are able to share by phone or mail. And if you have to substitute hugs with a pet or stuffed animal temporarily, imagine who you want it to be.

9) Seek to learn and grow. God doesn't waste anything. He has purposes for you beyond simply enduring until it is over. Trials are intended to bring maturity. Don't stagnate. Don't drift away from God, even though you can't be in church. God can do His work in your heart, helping you to think and evaluate correctly, helping you to become more stabilized in your spirit, helping you to understand His truth more deeply.

10) Look for the bigger picture. There is life beyond coronavirus, both currently and when life returns to normal. Look for God's plan. Does He have work to do in your heart? Is this an opportunity for family adjustments that should be made? Can this draw your church closer together? Can this provide opportunities for the gospel? Can this open hearts of people around the world to turn to God? Is God using this as a wakeup call to Christians and to the lost, a time to re-evaluate and re-focus?

11) Choose verses to remember. Biblical input can and should be more than a single verse, but it can be helpful to have a few special verses that can be focused on and easily remembered throughout the day. Morning devotions can wear off, and frequent reminders are needed. Write a verse down to carry with you. Post verses in prominent places. Memorize. Meditate.

12) Pray for help. It's not wrong to ask for help, especially from God. He wants to help you. He honors humility and responds with grace. Pray for physical needs, social needs, practical needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs. Often change and help will come just because you ask.

13) Don't forget music. With churches closed or online, music may be limited or non-existent. Sing. If you play an instrument, get it out. Focus on special and meaningful songs, and play them over and over, allowing their truth to minister to you. Pay attention to the words.

14) Don't underestimate God. When the human spirit is struggling, and even when there seems to be no help from normal sources, God can be all the help you need. God can't give physical hugs, but intense time with Him can unusually replace what is normally considered a need to be met by others. If you are cut off from church and friends, separated from family, and even completely alone, God can be all that you need.