Where Are You at a Year and a Half Into the Pandemic?
Since March 2020, I’ve felt like we’ve been living in a time warp, and I am sure many of you feel the same way. Time stood still around the world this past year and a half as we experienced a slowed down, simplified life locked in our homes. Worry and fear of the unknown plagued society. So many people have lost loved ones, friends, jobs, and security over the COVID-19 virus. Even though the pandemic turned our lives upside down and there has since been a return to some sense of normalcy, we must continue to check in on ourselves.
Where are you at mentally and emotionally? For me this has been a tough year and a half. My mother is in a nursing facility, and it has been heartbreaking to see her separated from my father. I tried to stay emotionally positive and mentally strong, but some days I just had to go to God. I needed God to lift my head up during the dark days. I was used to being around so many people and having great interaction. I know I’m not alone in finding quarantining supremely difficult. Humans need interaction with other humans to function their best. That’s why in the book of Genesis, God created Eve for Adam.
Genesis 2:18 reads, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
On top of seclusion, seeing and hearing of all the suffering as a result of the virus caused immense sadness for many. It can be easy to let it all weigh you down mentally. However, we know from Scripture that God is there for us and wants to carry our troubles if we bring them to His feet. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says to the disciples and a crowd, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I don’t know about you, but despite being at home for much of the past 18 months, I’ve found true rest hard to come by. God is eager to grant you peace of mind, but first you have to go to Him and ask for his presence to wash over you.
On any given day, our emotions can get the best of us. It is all too easy to get sucked into the heartbreaking stories on the news and the constant fear being sown. That is why we cannot turn to any man, even the most credible news source (if such a thing exists!) to find hope. Our hope can only be built on “He that has overcome the world.”
As we all continue to live with the unknown, I encourage you to dive deeper into the Word of God. Listen for His still voice to guide you though this time. All of us weren't able to physically go to church, but that is when you have to trust in God’s Word.
Psalm 118:14 says, “The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.”
Take some time this week to reflect on how you are actually doing - mentally, emotionally and spiritually. After a year and a half of dealing with COVID-19, we can’t let ourselves become numb to our struggles, but must turn to the Lord with them time and time again.. We are in unprecedented times but it is God who will direct our path. It is also ok if you haven’t gotten over what has happened over the past year and a half. I don’t think many of us will ever be the same. Check in on your family and friends frequently to make sure they are emotionally sound. Remember to cast all your burdens on God so that He can provide you with rest.