Finding Peace and Perspective in a Pandemic

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:6-7
 
These are crazy times. We’re facing a pandemic of unparalleled proportions and people everywhere are fearful and anxious. There are so many questions. When will we reach a peak in coronavirus cases? Am I safe? Does someone around me have the virus and not know? How will I pay my bills if I get laid off? On and on the questions continue and if you allow your mind to wander, it will lead you to imagine the worst. The number of cases is on the rise worldwide and that doesn’t help with anxiety. However, in the midst of all this craziness and the spread of a virus with no real cure, God is still sovereign.
 
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- John 16:33
 
Is it possible to find peace in this time? Is it possible to find a positive perspective? Can I truly experience peace AND perspective in a pandemic? The answer is, yes, with God.

​When this whole coronavirus thing started, I was freaking out. The height of my panic occurred when I went to the grocery store and saw that many items were completely sold out. That’s when it first hit close to home. I was overwhelmed with fear.It wasn’t until later that day that a still small voice, which was God, reminded me “I’m still in control. In all things I’m working. I’m using this whole situation to make you pause and be reminded of some things.”
 
Here are a few lessons that have been impressed upon my heart over the past few days:

1. Nothing is promised – we are not guaranteed our health, our home, the next paycheck, or even toilet paper. At any given time everything can change and everything can be taken from us. That’s why every new day is a blessing that we should be thankful for. I know that after this outbreak dies down, people will be more grateful for simple activities such as leaving home to visit a friend or going to church.
2. It’s important to sometimes take some time to slow down and rest – For many of us, if not for all this social distancing and time off work we would be going nonstop. Maybe this is an opportune time to finally get some much-needed rest.
3. It takes discipline to stay home and keep to yourself to prevent the spread of the virus – but this in itself will make us stronger in the end. There are some people still finding reasons to go out and contribute to the spread of COVID-19 whereas others have made the sacrifice to quarantine at home. One lesson we can all learn is that sometimes it takes discipline to do what’s best for the greater good. It isn’t easy but if we can reduce the peak of spread, it will be better for all of us.
4. This can and should be a time of reflection and learning how to shift perspective. As Christians, our peace is not dependent on circumstances. Jesus Christ promised that although in this world we would have trouble, He has overcome the world. Finding peace is possible through prayer, meditation, and reading the word of God.

 
If you’re home quarantining and #socialdistancing, then use this as a time to rest, reflect, renew, and recharge. The beauty of it all is that it is possible to find peace and perspective in the midst of a pandemic. God is able to give us peace that makes no logical sense as he shifts our perspective. Even if it’s for the first time, say a prayer today. His peace alone will get us through this.
 
<3 Beryl

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