I struggle. I am my own worst enemy. I go straight to my version of the bleak possibilities of the future rather than taking one day at a time. I think “what will I do if this happens” instead of living in the here and now. I overthink everything…or do I…no, I don’t…maybe… If someone doesn’t respond promptly to a text or email that I’ve sent, I automatically wonder what I might have done or said to make them mad at me. I imagine that some of you are reading this and thinking – WOW! I do that, too.
Matthew 6:34 (ESV) – “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
I have found myself having to make certain choices to protect my mental health during this time more than ever. The news is typically on the television at my house every morning and evening so we can keep up with current events. Nowadays, not so much. We all know the situation of this pandemic, but we don’t have to dwell on it by watching and listening to every report. That tends to drag me into a dark hole quicker than anything.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV) – "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."
Instead, I find myself reading more, listening to positive and uplifting music, focusing on God’s Word and praying more, intentionally reaching out to people whether by phone calls or notes sent in the mail. That sounds old-fashioned, but who doesn’t love to actually hear another person’s voice or read a thoughtful handwritten note letting you know that you are cared for?
Do something you never have time to do. Get out your paint brushes and capture the beauty that this season has to offer. Cook some of those recipes you’re always too busy to prepare. Start writing that novel you’ve been putting off for years because there’s no time. Play games with your kids. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Have meaningful conversations with friends and family. Whatever this looks like for you, change it up.
Genesis 2:18 (ESV) – “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”
These are very trying times for all of us. Maybe your thoughts get the best of you. Maybe you feel alone and cut off from your people.
My daughter lives out of state, so we’ve been FaceTiming a lot. This doesn’t replace physically being together, but at least we are staying connected. A friend and I met at our local walking trail earlier this week and enjoyed being together while still maintaining social distancing. That little bit of time spent with her made a huge difference in my day.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
No matter what you’re going through or what stage of life you’re in, someone cares about you. Someone thinks you are special. Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. Go ahead and take that step to reach out to them. You never know what that phone call or handwritten note might mean to a person. It might be just what they need to lift their spirits. We can all be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Change is hard for some. It certainly isn’t easy for me, but we need to understand our circumstances and adapt so that we can do our best to stay mentally healthy. These times are very uncertain and can be scary, but the most important thing to remember is that Jesus is victorious over all of this mess.
John 16:33 (ESV) – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, I pray that today will be that day. Don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean that you will not experience trouble, but you will have a peace and joy like you’ve never known.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”