Covid-19: How to Handle the Disruptions to Your Life

Covid-19 changed everything I was comfortable with! At first, I was frustrated and maybe even a little angry. How about you?

It was just a couple of weeks ago that I was enjoying a normal life. I’d just finished a vacation and then things began to change – dramatically and quickly. And now everything is different and getting more different by the day.

But I am settled. I have a calm assurance that it will be alright. It is still inconvenient and disruptive, but I am not ruled by these things.

Here are three powerful and timeless strategies to survive the Covid-19 disruptions or even diagnoses. After I share these strategies, I will show you how to put them into action.

Rejoice

Our responses and emotions are naturally rooted in the circumstances of our lives. It is unnatural to rejoice in the face of Covid-19. Rejoicing always seems counter-intuitive during times like this.

That’s one reason I love the book of Philippians. Paul wrote the church from prison – a bad circumstance to be sure! Yet, we see the theme of rejoicing spring up throughout the book. To rejoice is the first line of defense against the despair or dire circumstances.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Pray

How powerful is prayer? It connects you to God. There is no more powerful a connection! Amidst the Covid-19 storm, pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Prayer breaks anxiety every time. When we pray, we must not forget to be thankful. I start every day with prayer and Bible reading. My very first words during this time are words of thanksgiving. There is always something to be thankful for.

Give thanks, pour out your concerns, hurts and frustrations. Give them to God and know that he will calm your fears.

Think

Okay, we all think but we must think right. Here is what we need to be thinking about.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

This takes some effort. We know that God’s word is true. In fact, God’s word fits every criteria outlined in this verse. Today, millions of people are isolated at home because of Covid-19. You may be among those millions. You have a little extra time on your hands so you can take a little extra time to spend in God’s word.

Don’t be Overwhelmed

We have experienced storms similar to this before. We will make it through, with God’s help. We must be willing to trust God. And, we can do it. The three things I shared with you from Philippians are possible. Here’s how:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

This is how you rejoice, pray and think right. You trust God and know that he will give you strength to do these things.

I am praying for all my family and friends during this time – and that includes you. Be assured, God will see you through.