Social scientist and researcher Brené Brown wrote in her book, Braving the Wilderness,  “The world today feels like a political and ideological combat zone; surrounded by an us vs. them culture…” She goes on to define it as, “…a diminishing sense of shared humanity as the only thing binding us together now is shared fear and disdain as opposed to common humanity; shared trust; respect or love.” Interestingly, this book was written in 2017, but it certainly resonates with what we are experiencing in the world today. The political, social, economic upheaval which has erupted in the wake of COVID-19 has left most of us feeling a gamut of emotions and spiritually exhausted like never before. For many of us, it feels as if all hell has broken loose—literally. 

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-13, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against principalities and darkness. Therefore put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.” This is a time of evil to be sure, but God has equipped us to stand strong and overcome if we use His resources.

 Out of his great love and mercy for us, he has given us all that we need not just to survive but thrive emotionally. How do we overcome worry and fear to experience emotional wellbeing for abundant living? We must understand the source of true peace and joy. We must understand the unchanging nature of God and His Word and have confidence that He is wise and good and He is in control.

When we are at peace with God, we can have the peace of God. Peace with God comes from believing in his redemptive work through Christ and choosing to receive the gift of salvation. We must find our self-worth in God above all else. When we receive Christ we become a new creation. God sees us now as redeemed — we were slaves to sin and He paid for our freedom. He did it by giving the life of His son who was blameless and perfect. This is the most incomprehensible act — Jesus willingly allowed himself as God to take on flesh and submit himself unto His human creation. No one will ever love you as much as this. You were worth that to our God. You are loved, valued, and esteemed by almighty God!

It is written in 2 Corinthians 4:8, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.” The Apostle Paul didn’t deny that there was trouble — he had more than most to endure. However, he did not give in to it but rather he acknowledged his ultimate hope and present strength came from God. 

To thrive, we must feed our minds with excellence. Philippians 4:8 gives us our filter for our thoughts, “…whatsoever is true, noble, lovely, pure…” God has given His holy Scripture with which to feed our mind so it will flourish and we need to partake of it often. No other book is as important. Consider what you find your mind focused on each day. Most of what we read doesn’t provide excellence or edification to nurture our souls but robs us of time with the Lord. 

To thrive, we must embrace prayer as another fundamental discipline for peace. Paul said to pray without ceasing! This is simply being mindful of God and His presence at all times. We can talk to Him all day long. When you don’t know what to pray, tell Him what you feel, and ask Him for His help. Talk to Him! He is a great listener!

Probably the most difficult aspect of this pandemic is the isolation and loneliness we have had to experience. It is simply not natural or healthy. According to John Ortberg in his book, The Me I Want to Be, he writes, “…never worry alone.” Share your burdens with a trusted friend who will pray with you and encourage you. Find ways to stay connected to positive, life-enhancing, uplifting people. Reach out to us at Transformation Life Church.  I implore you, don’t suffer in silence — we are here and we care! 

Helpful Resources

Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness, Random House UK, 2017

John Ortberg, The Me I Want to Be, Zondervan, 2014