We are living in an extraordinary time of global crisis.
This pandemic has dramatically increased the number of people struggling with anxiety, depression, isolation, stress and relational tensions.
The order to “shelter in place”, along with a constant feed of worry inducing news, coupled with a shaky economy and compounded by mandated social distancing has wrecked emotional havoc on an millions of people.
What is clear is that we cannot control our circumstances but we can control our response to our circumstances. It is up to us to maintain our sanity and health in the midst of this crisis.
Here are 4 simple habits to stay sane in crisis.
1. Get the Good News First
First thing in the morning it is tempting to check your social media news feed or the local news to catch the latest critical update….don’t. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that for many Americans news consumption can have negative mental health effects. According to the survey more than half Americans say that the news causes them to feel stress, anxiety, fatigue or lose sleep. Yes, you need to stay informed but put boundaries on your news intake.
Pastor and Author A.W Tozer put it this way;
“No matter what the circumstances, we Christians should keep our heads. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind. It is a dismal thing to see a son of heaven cringe in terror before the sons of earth.”
A.W. Tozer
I encourage you to fill your mind and feed your spirit first thing in the morning with the Scripture. Make a clear decision to read a chapter from Scripture, before you check your phone or turn on TV. Here are some devotional resources that may help you get into the habit.
Today in the Word – Free daily devotional that includes Scripture and some devotional thoughts. The first devotional of the month always comes from me.
Streetlight Bible – Free audio Bible with originally created for urban youth.
2. Practice 5 Minutes of Thanksgiving
Make a “Thanksgiving appointment”. Sometime during your day take 5 minutes to intentionally practice gratitude. In the midst of this Covid-19 crisis we get plenty of news that can pre-set our mindset toward anxiety and fear. “5 Minutes of Thanksgiving” reminds us that we still have a lot (I mean a lot) to be thankful for. Paul reminds us
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Author and pastor Warren Wiersbe put it this way; “The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long.”
Tap on the link below to hear a message I preached entitled “Finding Your Praise Again”.
Message: Finding Your Praise Again
3. Learn to Prayer Walk
I’ve been practicing Prayer Walking for years. It is as simple as finding a path and praying while you walk. For now we can still get outside and take a walk. If you are near a park or walking path get out and breathe some fresh air and get your blood circulating. Of course you need to keep the rules of social distancing and you may even want to wear a mask, but get out of your house and feel the sunshine on your face as you pray. If it helps put your head phones on and listen to some good praise music while you walk and pray. You will be physically refreshed and spiritually recharged. You can click on link below to discover the pattern of prayer I have used for years.
Learning to Pray from Jesus (Message by Mark Jobe)
4. Start Reaching Out to Others
Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Pick up the phone and call someone that you think could use the encouragement. Dial an elderly person to just check up on them. Call a health care worker, police, firefighter or paramedic and thank them for their service. There is something powerful about shifting from focusing on our needs to encouraging others around you. If you would like to volunteer and help prepare some food and deliver it to people in need click on the link below.
For more information contact New Life Centers.
Finally, I encourage you to make a point of keeping healthy mentally, physically and spiritually. You owe it to yourself and the people that are closest to you.
In the midst of this crisis there are many opportunities, but we will miss most of them if we are not thinking clearly, staying healthy and keeping our heart in the right place.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
In this time of crisis I am reminded of the words of Corrie Ten Boom who survived the World War II Holocaust crisis:
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.”
Corrie ten Boom