We are in a global crisis— a pandemic caused by Coronavirus—COVID-19. Here in Texas, we are under a “Stay Home-Stay Safe” order and practicing “social distancing” to flatten the curve in the spread of this invisible enemy. This is my first pandemic experience. It is crazy! It is scary! Every day from early morning to late night newscasts, we’re getting Coronavirus updates—number of confirmed cases and deaths. It is information overload and can send you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. It is easy to allow emotions to control, However, we must stay spiritually healthy in an unhealthy world free from fear and anxiety.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJV
To live in panic mode sweltering with anxiety is dangerous to you on all levels especially spiritually. Anxiety and worry will overpower you when you constantly focus on what you see, hear and feel rather than focusing on God’s Word, His love for you and those you care about. This is why it is absolutely necessary to control your environment. For example, when the nightly news is affecting you emotionally, take a break from watching it. When you are constantly surrounded by negative people, break away for a while. And if they want to know why you are distancing yourself, be honest and tell them.
At this point, your spiritual well-being is at risk if you let your feelings overpower your faith in God. It is really an opportunity to grow spiritually by controlling your thoughts and thus, your emotions. Your spiritual health is a priority.
Philippians 4:8 gives a formula for controlling your thoughts, which will put your emotions in check and your behavior IF you apply the formula. I call it selective thinking.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (New Living Translation)
The appropriate way to respond to anxiety is right thinking—change what you’re thinking about and engage in activities that redirect your thought process. Learning to control your thoughts early on can be beneficial later. Here are ONLY seven (7) tips to start you on the way to staying spiritually healthy:
Give yourself space to refocus. This has to do with your environment and surroundings. When and where there is too much noise, you can't hear the whispers of God.
Discipline your thoughts and meditate on what’s good, pleasurable, admirable. The book of Psalms is a good place to start. You will find that the psalmist expressed an array of emotional ups and downs. However, he always concluded by refocusing and redirecting his thoughts to God giving Him praise, honor and glory.
Study the Bible. Read Bible-based books. Use a daily devotional. There are several online devotions that you can subscribe to. Listen to inspirational music/songs that will lift your spirit.
Pray! Take prayer walks. Go to the park, sit and people watch and pray for them. Journal, it can be spiritually edifying, write a letter/note to God.
Pray for someone else who you know may be facing challenges. It will help you to redirects your thoughts from yourself; it will eliminate the self-pity tendency.
Focus on fun memories that will cheer you up and make you laugh. Watch old funny family sitcoms (“Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” Proverbs 17:12 GNT)
Consider the beauty of nature—God's magnificent creation.
God never intended for us live in fear, worry, and anxiety. Fear is a result of the Fall of Man (Genesis 3:9-10). Your Creator has provided everything needed for a life of peace, and contentment by placing your trust in Jesus.
©2020 Queen E. Phillips. A Majestic Publication. All rights reserved.