The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a this disease and what could happen is overwhelming and causes a strong emotional reaction in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel SORROWFUL ISOLATED AND LONELY and increases stress and anxiety. These reactions are a great tool for the enemy of our soul to take away our joy.
“Do not sorrow, for the JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.“ (Neh. 8:10)
The Psalmist said, “I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. I LIE AWAKE, And am like a sparrow ALONE on the housetop…My days are like a shadow that lengthens, And I WITHER AWAY like grass. But You, O LORD, SHALL ENDURE FOREVER, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations…You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS.” (Psa. 102:6-7, 11-12, 25) The Lord said, “I will NEVER leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)
So, just what should we do? “Let us therefore COME BOLDLY unto the throne of grace, that we may OBTAIN MERCY, and FIND GRACE to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15-16). Everyone has three basic spiritual and psychological needs:
- Someone to love and share intimately with.
- Someone who understands, knows how you feel, and says, “Yes, I care.”
- Someone who needs you and wants to be with you.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He MAKES ME to lie down in green pastures; He LEADS ME beside the still waters. He RESTORES MY SOUL; He LEADS ME in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear NO EVIL; For You are WITH ME; Your rod and Your staff, they COMFORT ME. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW ME All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” (Psa. 23:1-6)
-Bill Stockham