KEEPING A SOUND MIND IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC


2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV - God Has Not Given Us A Spirit Of Fear ...

Bible Trivia
  • The phrases "fear not" and "be not afraid" appear 365 times in the Old and New Testaments.
  • The word peace, including when it appears in phrases like "peace be with you" appears 429 times in the Old and New Testaments.

     Last Friday when it was cloudy, chilly and threatening rain, I declared it "At the Beach Day."  I put on one of my favorite summer outfits and my sun glasses, asked Alexis to play the Beach Boys station and laid out my beach towel.  

      Today, I took a shower, applied make-up and put on the clothes I would have worn if I was going into the office to work.  I also have limited my time reading, watching or listening to media news.  Why?  Basically, to keep my spirits up and contribute to my well-being during a time of uncertainty and to prevent myself from giving in to anxiety and fear.
     It's hard not to be concerned during the COVID-19 virus pandemic.  We don't know that much about the coronavirus or how to treat it.  There's no vaccine for it, and it has overwhelmed our health care system.  We don't know how long we'll be self-sheltering, and  we're uncertain as to when we can resume religious services or return to school and work.  So many things are out of our control, so it's easy to become afraid.
     Fear causes us to be reactive in serious and even life threatening situations.  Hoarding toilet paper, for example, is reactive and a symptom of fear.  Fear and anxiety robs us of the ability to be proactive, make long-term plans, be practical and logical and stifles creative problem solving.  Fear leads to depression and the tendency to disconnect from our support networks.  
     God's word in 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "For God has not given us a Spirit of Fear but of Power and of love and of a sound mind.   Fear is not from God, but God does gift us power, love and a sound mind.
     For me, a sound mind is defined by peace and calm that comes from a consistent and intention relationship with God through Christ.  Through Christ our intercessor, we can release my fears and worries to God.  This allows us to welcome in the love and peace of God.   
  Here are some things that are helping me maintain a sound mind:
  • Number 1 with a bullet is stay connected with God through prayer, study, and yes, even worship.  While we are not able to worship together as congregations of believers, churches are responding through social media and the internet to provide worship experiences.  We can build an environment of worship by turning off the TV ("Tiger King" can wait) and listening to Christian music. YouTube has Christian music videos with the lyrics of our favorite hymns so we have the option of singing along to them.  By the way, singing can be as relaxing as meditation.
  • Just as important, stay connected with friends and families.  Texts and Facebook are fine, but explore ways you can face-time those you love and don't forget voice-to-voice.  That part of your phone still works.  
  •  Learn about something new, finish those unfinished projects, work on that pile of books you have read yet, be creative and have fun.  Laugh -- humor helps keep things in perspective and reduces stress. 
  • Stay physically well.  As human beings, mind, soul, and body are interconnected.  Maintain a regular sleep schedule, think fresh and green foods, and stay physically active.  Whenever possible, go out and get some sunshine and fresh air.  Yard work and walks in the neighborhood work wonders.  
  • Be cautious, not fearful.  Follow the guidelines of the CDC and your local health departments.  It is the loving and socially responsible thing to do.  Also limit the time we watch or listen to the news.  Stay informed, but don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed and anxious.
  • Do good.  Check with your local hospitals about their need for masks.  If you don't sew, maybe you can help supply materials to those who can.  And remember about staying connected?  Call those you know in care facilities or home-bound.  Those who most at risk are the most isolated right now.  Seek out opportunities to do as much good as you can to whomever you can as often as you can.

     And finally, let's remember who we are and whose we are.  We are a loved and empowered people.  Through our faith in Christ, we are freed from the power of sin and death and from the bondage of fear.  
     We're all in this together - God (Father, Redeemer and Provider) and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We'll get through this.


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