Now What?

The COVID experience has taken many of us, me included, on a roller coaster of emotions and reactions. Some days have been easier to handle than other days. Tell me, where has your stress been felt? Too many people around? Not enough people around? For me, most of my stress battlefield came from the computer.

Sitting too long in front of a laptop is not what my body is accustomed to. I had to take action. Constantly adjusting my back and posture. Making sure I got up and walked around the house. Drinking water and eating meals to keep the body healthy. These all sound easy enough to do, but they were things that added to my stress level.

My trust over the whole quarantine has been in God. I had no fear in that regard. But, the daily challenge in front of the screen strained me. God’s peace has gotten me through many an hour. And, like everyone else, I have had to remind myself God has this, and good for heaven’s kingdom will come from it.

Even under this stress I tried to focus on the positive rather than the all-too-easy-negative route. Some things I witnessed made a positive focus easy. Watching the number of families out and about, walking, biking, playing together has been heart-warming. I love how this time has brought so many together. Hearing and seeing the church become united in praying against this pestilence is exciting. To watch the numbers of people turning to the church and God during this time has brought tears to my eyes many times.

As we adjust to a new normal, we see that this quarantine is not lasting forever. And as we return, we may experience a stress rebound affect, so to speak…the desire to run away or want to do nothing or even lash out in anger. Even with a positive attitude experienced during this time, we can still react to the release of stress.

Do we have a Biblical example of what to do? Yes.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah has just finished being part of a huge miracle in God’s destruction of the prophets of Baal. With all that energy exerted he allows fear to take over. He can’t go or give anymore and at the first sign of resistance, he runs away.

He finds a place to rest and sleep. Then God provides food for him. Elijah repeats these actions. And, once re-energized he begins to walk it out. At the end of that walk he talks it out with God. Then he was ready to go again, and God starts him off with a small task to fulfill.

We need to keep this in mind as we start life over again. Don’t be afraid to allow yourself to rest and eat a little before you ask God for directions in what to do next. Don’t be in a hurry to get back in the fast lane of activities. There’s no rush. What God has for you to do will come. And it may be a small thing. Just be willing to take the course  He has for you.