Finding God's Peace in a Pandemic

Time has certainly gone by quickly since we last met together in person at Resonance Church. It was March 8 when we had our last service at Blair Elementary. As you read this Connections newsletter, it will be over three months since we have been physically separated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot has changed since the start of pandemic: BC has moved to Phase 2 of its Restart Plan; schools are starting to reopen; and medical services, the retail sector, hair salons, restaurants, parks, beaches and childcare services have been allowed to start reopening.

I don’t assume that everyone is handling this situation of isolation or the start of reintegration well. Some are coping with the new normal, while some may be quite impacted and finding it stressful and difficult. Finding peace in a pandemic might not be easy, but allow me to share with you a few thoughts on how we can open our hearts to faith in a time of uncertainty.

1. Back away from the bad news

I’m not saying that we should bury our heads in the sand and ignore the news. We need to be vigilant in keeping up with the latest restrictions in our communities, and to be informed enough to make decisions that suit the needs of our families and beliefs as Christians. At the same time, we’re inundated with updates and news of COVID-19 – and our minds and hearts and souls need to breathe. We were not made for constant negative input, so if you are like me, try to release yourself from the burden of having to always be in the know; instead, actively choose to rest in the all-knowingness of God.

2. Lean in to spiritual disciplines

We can practice discipline by frequent prayer, silence and reading the Bible. The Word of God is like water for a dry and weary soul (Psalms 63:1). Times of trial, uncertainty, and fear are not the moments to lean away from God, but the moments to lean toward Him—in every way we can.

3. Refocus on what we can control

I can’t control COVID-19 — I can’t control where it spreads or who gets it or what policies are being put in place. What I can control, however, is what God has put before me: following guidelines for social distancing, shepherding my family in faith, and doing the work I’ve been called to. Similarly, I can’t control the economic situation, but I can make wise choices, and I can give my resources and time to the community and our church. Trusting God is to release our burdens, to walk in obedience to Him and to be still in the places where we are powerless and faithful where He has given us responsibility.

Allow Christ Jesus’ words to reassure us and give us peace:

“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 – NLT)

Amen!