Words of encouragement in unprecedented times

I will never forget the fear I felt as a kid riding in my grandparents’ automobile. It was late afternoon and we were driving home from a great day at the lake. My grandparents had invited a couple of us grandkids to go fishing with them. We left early in the morning and had a great time at the lake fishing, wandering along the bank, looking for lures, and just goofing off.  Late in the afternoon, we headed toward home down a two lane, two-way highway. My eyelids were getting heavy and my grandmother was already asleep in the passenger seat.  My grandfather was driving and dozing, and our car drifted across the middle line of the highway and then back onto our lane. Then, sometimes we would drift towards the shoulder. Yet, when the car was actually on the shoulder, it would wake up my grandfather and suddenly we were back in our own lane.

On that drive, there was the horror of drifting towards and over the middle line of the road as an oncoming traffic neared. What would happen?  Were we going to hit the oncoming car?  I was too afraid to say anything, hoping that my grandfather would wake up and get back onto our lane. He did and I am still alive. Yet, I can still remember that intense feeling of fear and wonder why I didn’t say something.

We are living in a time of dramatic uncertainty. Communities and countries have announced dramatic measures to minimize human interaction due to COVID-19.  There has been a run on groceries and toilet paper – I am sure I don’t know why.

The unprecedented concern about coronavirus (COVID-19) is heightened by the extreme measures being encouraged by local communities and global governments. COVID-19 is serious! It is deadly for some and it will forever change our world for all of us.

So, how do we cope?  Is it possible to find peace when you feel panic inside? Panic is a normal emotional reaction to information that is a frightening as cancer and COVID-19.  The fear generated by the possibility and/or the reality of these kinds of things throws us into a state of being out of control. Then, fear and panic take control. It is difficult but it’s important to try to get back control and find peace, rather than paralysis, in the midst of today’s storm that we call a pandemic.

What are some ways to help us get back in control and find peace?

  • Call a friend and be honest as you share your feelings of fear, anxiety, and dread.  Trying to bottle up our emotions will only make us more anxious. Sharing begins to release the pressure of the anxiety.
  • Reach out to someone you know who may also be feeling the fear. Listen to them share their feelings.
  • Offer to help a senior by picking up groceries or driving them to get their prescriptions. There is something very healing about doing something to help others.
  • Get physical! Exercise and get a really good physical workout. Run, garden, scream at a tree or on the sidewalk.  I prefer “chainsaw therapy” myself.
  • Remind yourself of the words of Scripture:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom (or what) shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom (or what) shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1

“But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, (insert your name) he who formed you, Israel (insert your name), ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’”  Isaiah 43:1

“Do not be anxious about anything (including COVID-19) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6

by Pastor Don Huitink

Crossroads Church will use Zoom video conferencing to continue to worship on Sunday mornings at 10 am. You can join us using our Zoom meeting number: 993 079 7504. All are welcome!