Pandemic: Pandemonium or Peace?
Written by Tom Cooper
We are in the midst of turbulent and unpredictable times. It is uncharted territory. How do we act? What do we believe? Can God help us as we become increasingly aware of the fragile state of our health and lives? And not only ourselves, but our loved ones and humankind.
Most of us are feeling a concoction of anxiety, loneliness, fear, and uncertainty. All of us have experienced the worries of life, including war, crime, death, illness, broken dreams, work frustrations, and relational issues with family and friends. The coronavirus has now taken our fears to dangerous new levels.
Many of us are self-isolating, which creates a whole new world of both problems (especially for me as an extrovert!), and opportunities for rest and perspective, as well as helping others.
Allow me to suggest two major biblical truths to encourage us and to challenge us; they are interconnected.
First, God loves us and thus we have hope.
The scriptures are full of reminding us of God’s love.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,”says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:21-25
How does this look for us in reality? Nurture our prayer life, give thanks for our blessings, pray with others. Build community with those of faith for support (and all those who are close to us).
Second, the same God who loves us asks us to love one another.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, ….if any tenderness and compassion, ….having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:1-4
How does this look for us? Care for those who are isolated with a phone call, email, or letter. If you have resources, give to those who live on the margins of life. Encourage frontline workers who are in harm’s way battling this virus. As God said to Abraham, “I have blessed you so that you can be a blessing.” – Genesis 12:2
How we embrace these two truths will help decide whether this pandemic creates pandemonium in us and the world. If we each personally apply both of these truths, we can both receive and spread a greater degree of peace.
You can’t just obey one of these truths because God has arranged it so that the love we receive will compel us to share this love with others.
Blessings,
Tom
P.S. Hillary McBride who is a friend and ambassador of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries has put together a grounding meditation designed for those who may be experiencing heightened anxiety or fear at this time. This meditation is meant to help calm the mind and the body. You can also check out the Sanctuary Course for free.