If you are struggling spiritually, what can be done? Well, you probably saw this question coming- is it about time we started spending more time with God? If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the trials in my own life it’s this: when the storm is raging the best thing I can do is draw closer to God and resist the urge to run farther away. Why is this difficult to do? Because when hardships come we tend to question why they are happening. We tend to question God and why he’s allowing certain things to happen in our lives. We pray and pray for a miracle and if it doesn’t come, we become discouraged and maybe a little doubtful too. It is natural as humans to be angry with God from time to time, or to feel let down when we feel we have been doing everything right. We might feel that our relationship with God is strong, that we’ve been praying, worshipping, reading the Bible and serving others, and yet none of these things ultimately protect us from trials in this life.
We’re all gonna face something, and right now, we’re all facing something together. How profound would it be, if we all turned toward God right now and put our trust in Him to get us through this. How profound would it be, if we all raised our hands in worship, knowing that God is bigger than what we are experiencing. How profound would it be, if we all fell to our knees in prayer daily, seeking God’s kingdom and drawing ourselves closer to God’s heart. What might God reveal to us during this time, if we took a moment to be still and listen? Let’s not be too concerned with going about “business as usual” when there’s nothing usual about what we are experiencing at this point in time. I know that many parents and teachers are trying to create a sense of normalcy for their kids and students and probably for themselves too. But let’s also not be afraid to ask young people how they are doing and help them process all that is going on. Let’s not be afraid to guide our youth to God, the only one who can truly give them peace and comfort.
I have been trying to start my days with worship, prayer, and time reading and studying the Bible. And of course, I have found that on the days when I do this, I feel much better than the days that I don’t. While it is challenging to shelter in place, I am doing my best to embrace this as a time to spend with God and grow closer to Him. I am doing my best to see the benefits of slowing down- how it gives me a chance to reevaluate how I’ve been living my life and how I’ve been sowing (or not sowing) into my relationships, including my relationship with God. I pray that God uses this time to quiet my soul and refocus my attention from the outer world to the work He is doing inside of me. I pray that He uses this time to calm my spirit and give me His peace that surpasses all understanding, including the chaos that is happening in the world. I may never make sense of it, but I can make sense of what God is doing in my life during this time. I just have to make sure I’m paying attention and that my heart is open to God’s guidance, direction and wisdom.
I pray that you take some time to spend with God everyday during this crisis. If you already do, spend a little more time than usual. If you’re new to a relationship with God, ask Him to come live in your heart and begin talking to Him, just like you would a friend. You can tell Him anything and everything. Ask God to show you how to have a relationship with Him and He will. I know we can all find 30 minutes in our days to connect with God. I believe this is the best way we can be spending our time as we shelter in place, for it is only God that can give us the strength to make it through. It is only God that can protect our minds, bodies and spirits as we battle the Coronavirus and all that comes with it. It is only God that can show us what needs to change as we progress through this. Only He can reveal to us what is worth keeping and what needs to be discarded. If we let Him, God will remind us of what’s important in this life- the intangible things that we often take for granted.
Let me not leave without saying that what we are experiencing is a traumatic event. Even if the sickness, deaths, and economic hardships are not affecting you directly, you undoubtedly know someone who has been affected. And if you are sensitive like me, the pain and suffering the world is experiencing weighs heavy on your heart. What we are experiencing is not something we can fight or flee from. Trauma keeps us frozen in a situation we can’t control, and that is exactly where we are at. Of course, we can take steps to protect ourselves but as far as really fighting and defeating this virus, all we can really do is sit at home, pray and hope for the best. I am saying this to say, that if all you can do is stay afloat and survive while the Coronavirus runs its course, then that is more than okay. If you find yourself being less productive, needing to take lots of naps, getting lost in Netflix marathons and just generally feeling less like yourself, then that is more than okay.
Trauma essentially shuts all systems down and so what you are experiencing is very normal and you are not the only one. If you are struggling you are not alone. Be kind to yourself and give yourself whatever time you need to adjust to this new way of life, this new normal that is anything but normal. I can honestly say that this has been really challenging for me, not just because I live alone and am experiencing most of this in true isolation, but also because I am just coming out of a personal life pause and it’s really quite difficult to be put back in that space unwillingly.
I was just coming out of a personal trial that I had been battling for a few years, was opening back up to life and taking steps forward. Then the Coronavirus came along and essentially told me to go sit down, alone in my apartment, and put everything on hold. Just sit and wait for this also to pass. Well, if only it were that easy. Believe me, I know it isn’t easy to face trials in this life. But I also know that the trials come, with or without our permission, and if we’re going to have to go through it, we might as well come out the other side a little bit different. Different, but better. Changed, but stronger and more resilient. Altered, with healthier habits and perspectives. Transformed from within.
I look forward to seeing you all on the other side and hearing about your journeys of discovery. I look forward to simple pleasures like hugs, family BBQs and sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. I look forward to a collective world that is kinder, more reflective and more compassionate. Let’s be the individual change we want to see in the world, for if ever there was a time to change, the time is now.