As we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic, I wonder: how are you? Anxious? Annoyed? Frustrated? Overwhelmed? Overburdened while trying to juggle work and family at home? Or, maybe you’re lonely and longing for a hug, the touch of a loved one or friend. Whatever you feel, know that you are not alone. These are unprecedented times for us all. Our modern society has never faced such a crisis before. The guidelines, decisions, and recommendations from our businesses and governments seem to change and update daily because the reality is there is no set training or instruction manual for managing a pandemic. We’re all just people trying to figure out how to do the best we can, but still too often we seem one step behind.
As much as we like to believe we are masters of this world, moments like these remind us how much we are at the mercy of things beyond our control.
I believe part of the reason this pandemic causes so much anxiety in our lives is because it reminds us how out of control we really are. While we have the capability to build planes, trains, and automobiles – not to mention cruise ships and even space ships – as well as technology that connects our global society more than ever before, an invisible virus threatens to undo it all. A virus no one saw coming, and at least for right now, a virus we don’t know how to stop. As much as we like to believe we are masters of this world, moments like these remind us how much we are at the mercy of things beyond our control.
In those moments then when we feel out of control – or anxious, scared, uncertain – what can we do? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself as I sit home alone while my husband still reports to work every day at his “essential” business. What can I do? As someone not on the front lines risking their health or battling this disease, what can I possibly control? How can I support those on the front lines? How can I support my family and friends? How can I possibly make a difference during this crisis?
In response to those questions, I heard God speak Matthew 22:37-39 to my heart:
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
First, in these times of uncertainty, we must remember that while we are feeling out of control, we serve a God who is still very much in control.
Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ (2 Chronicles 20: 6 – 9)
And second, in such overwhelming times, we need to release that which we cannot control, and refocus on that which we can. One thing we can always control is ourselves. Even in the midst of calamity we can choose to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting fearfully. We can choose to trust God and love our neighbors as ourselves instead of living in fear and acting as though it is “every man for themselves!”
Even in the midst of calamity we can choose to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting fearfully.
So then, how can we love our neighbors as ourselves during these challenging times?
1. Sacrifice: Practice Social Distancing
Social distancing is a sacrifice we make. It asks the many to put aside their “rights” for the needs of the few. To put the health and safety of the most vulnerable among us ahead of our own comfort and convenience. To even sacrifice our sense of financial security for the lives of those most at-risk among us. And it is not easy. But as followers of Christ we were never called to an easy, comfortable, or convenient life. Rather, we are called to put the needs of others ahead of our own. To love and care for others even when it’s hard. Even when it costs us something.
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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2: 3 – 8)
God role-modeled a sacrificial love for us, and that’s what he asks of us. So, please, stay home. Even if you’re young. Even if you’re bored. Even if you think this is all an overreaction. Do not go out for unnecessary reasons. Be a part of the solution. Help “flatten the curve” to protect not only the most vulnerable among us – the elderly, sick, immunocompromised, etc. – but also the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, other healthcare workers, first responders, and other “essential” employees who daily risk their health and their lives to care and provide for the rest of us. They go to work for us. Stay home for them.
2. Serve: Offer Encouragement & Be Generous
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Thank God for the gift of technology that allows us to stay connected even when we cannot physically connect. Reach out to your friends and family. Send them encouraging texts. Facetime to say hello. Schedule a group video chat. Let them know you are thinking and praying for them.
Get creative in how you can reach out and encourage your actual neighbors. Here’s a few ideas I’ve seen:
Use chalk to draw/create encouraging sidewalk art for neighbors to enjoy as they walk around the community.
Bake some cookies or make a meal to share that you can drop off on people’s porches.
Buy some flowers drop off mini bouquets around the neighborhood to brighten others’ days.
Share uplifting content on social media. One of my Facebook friends has started a “Be Creative Challenge” where she shares a prompt for a creative activity for people to participate in each day. Ask yourself, “How can I share my gifts and talents virtually?” Consider sharing your art, music, poetry, humor, craft ideas, lesson-plans, favorite recipes, etc. digitally with others.
Second, let’s be generous to our neighbors – especially if you are blessed enough to work from home and continue earning a paycheck. Remember those who may not be so fortunate. Consider donating to funds, resources, and organizations set up to help the hardest hit members of our society: local food banks, creative artist support funds, homeless & women’s shelters, animal shelters, etc.
You could also reach out to people directly. Perhaps you could send an extra or advance tip to your favorite hair stylists, cosmetologists, bartenders, servers, manicurists, yoga instructors, etc. Services like PayPal and Venmo make sending money online safe and easy. Not sure where to send the money? Try finding individuals on social media and message them to ask what their PayPal/Venmo account is. If you don’t know someone’s name you could message the establishment where they work, and see if they can help. Many cities have also set up “Virtual Tip Jars” that collect contact information from those working in impacted industries and share how you can gift a tip to them. Other ways to be generous include:
Supporting local businesses. Order take-out or delivery from your favorite restaurants. Buy gift cards online. Especially from businesses that are temporarily closed.
Offering to go grocery shopping or to pick up supplies for at-risk people in your community.
Offering to help with dog-walking or other pet-care related needs for those at risk.
Overall, we need to remember that every little bit helps. Just because we can’t do everything, doesn’t mean we can’t do something. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Even a small gift can make a big difference.
(What other ideas do you have for serving others? Please share your ideas in the comments!)
3. Spirit Led Praise, Prayer, & Fasting
When the challenge we face is overwhelming and circumstances are beyond our control, one of the most powerful things we can do is turn to God with praise, prayer, and fasting.
When the challenge we face is overwhelming and circumstances are beyond our control, one of the most powerful things we can do is turn to God with praise (worship), prayer, and fasting. While it may not seem like we are not doing much on the surface, these “spiritual disciplines” are some of the most important tools at our disposal in times of crisis. That’s because they depend on God’s power and not our own. They reaffirm our belief in Him and His might. I love how bestselling author Stormie Omartian describes it in her book, Lead Me, Holy Spirit:
To believe means to be firmly established in the Lord. When the enemy encroaches upon your life…humble yourself before God and declare your dependence upon Him. Have complete faith in His Word and pray for His intervention. Fast and pray to God’s glory and for the leading of His Spirit. Worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.
A great example of God’s people rallying together in prayer, praise, and fasting in the face of insurmountable odds can be found in the story of King Jehoshaphat and the Kingdom of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:2-30.
Our story in 2 Chronicles begins with King Jehoshaphat receiving word that a vast army comprised of three enemy Kingdoms combined is headed to attack Judah. Naturally, King Jehoshaphat is “alarmed” – or as some translations say: “afraid” or “terrified.” But instead of anxiously spiraling out of control, King Jehoshaphat calls his Kingdom together for a day of fasting and prayer to seek the Lord’s guidance.
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord…Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said [prayed]:
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
…Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel…He said: “…This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem...Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
After receiving the word of the Lord though the prophet Jahaziel, the people responded in worship.
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord…
The next day, King Jehoshaphat gathered his troops and started the journey to meet the coming enemy. As they marched, King Jehoshaphat was inspired to apply a unique military tactic:
Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated… When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped…
After rejoicing in their victory, word of God’s glory and power soon traveled to the other nations surrounding Judah.
The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
Prayer. Praise. Fasting. A powerful combination that has the ability to unleash the power of God in our world. Not for our glory, but for His. Lest we ever think practicing these disciplines is about manipulating God to do our will, we must remember it’s about opening up our hearts and minds to do His. For what human would determine fasting, prayer, praise and worship as the best military tactic for fighting their enemy? Certainly none. But that is how God works. When we seek His will, he often inspires us to action we otherwise would not take. He fights our battles for us. He redeems insurmountable situations for His glory.
Prayer. Praise. Fasting. A powerful combination that has the ability to unleash the power of God in our world. Not for our glory, but for His.
Overall, as we look ahead with no certain ending for this pandemic in sight, I encourage you all to love your neighbor as yourself by: sacrificing your rights for the sake of those most at risk; serving others by offering encouragement and practicing generosity; and participating in Spirit led praise, prayer, and fasting.
He redeems insurmountable situations for His glory.
Lastly, in regard to that final point, I am excited to share with you all that I’m currently designing a day of guided prayer, praise, and fasting inspired by the story of Judah & King Jehoshaphat. For I believe the promise God made to Jehoshaphat He also makes to us. This battle is not ours; it is the Lord’s. And so, may we not only rely on human strength and wisdom to fight this battle but on God’s strength and His wisdom. May we come together to seek God’s will and power in the midst of this pandemic – an attack by an invisible and overwhelming enemy – and may we see His glory revealed in these trying times.
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