3 Tips to Coping with COVID-19 Changes
Whether we like it or not, COVID-19 is having an impact on our family and community. With schools and events closed, children have unexpected time on their hands. With the encouragement for social distancing, many are left separated from much needed social interaction.
Here are some practical steps to dealing with the changes we are experiencing.
1. Remember that God is in control!
Isaiah 43:1 says,
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (ESV)
It is likely you feel like your world is out of control. Maybe you are in fear of the affects of the virus, or maybe you are angry at the media for what seems to be hype. Either way, you feel frustration.
God does not wonder what is happening. In His foreknowledge He knew this would happen before humans walked on earth. God knows and He cares!
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear… (Psalm 112:6-8a, ESV)
2. Take advantage of family time
There is no doubt that you will be spending more time around your immediate family. This could be exciting or scary. One thing is certain: Parents, you will have an increased impact on your student’s lives.
There are many considerations for your family:
Fear is real
For the various members of our family the necessary changes cause fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear (see our previous blog post), but fear still exists. If you are struggling with how to talk to your children about COVID-19, read this great article put out by Focus on the Family: Talking with Kids About the Coronavirus
Spiritual health
More time at home means a great opportunity to encourage time in God’s Word. Moses told the families of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:
You shall teach [God’s Word] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (ESV)
You could read a chapter of the Bible a day as a family (Proverbs has 31 chapters to match 31 days of the month). You could also encourage those in your family to spend time in personal devotions.
School from home
With schools closing, students are asked to complete homework from home. Parents often feel under equipped for creating an effective learning environment. Thankfully, you are not the first person to school from home. If you have friends who home school their children, you would do well to ask them for suggestions.
Here are some helpful online resources:
Entertainment
Let’s face it — more time at home means more screen time for all of us. Just like being wise with the food that we put into our stomachs, we should also be wise with the entertainment that impacts our minds (and the minds of our children). PluggedIn.com does a great job reviewing movies, TV shows, music, video games, and books from a Godly perspective.
3. Love your neighbor
God’s call on the life of a believer is two fold: love God and love your neighbor.
And [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39, ESV)
During a time of fear and uncertainty, we have great opportunity to show God’s love to those around us. This includes members of our family, church, and community. Our neighbor includes both friend and enemy alike.
Martin Luther gave advice during a time when the Black Plague was sweeping across Germany. He felt strongly that we share God’s love by serving our neighbor in a time of need.
This I well know, that if it were Christ or his mother who were laid low by illness everybody would be so solicitous and would gladly become a servant or helper. Everyone would want to be bold and fearless; nobody would flee but everyone would come running… If you wish to serve Christ and to wait on him, very well, you have your sick neighbour close at hand. Go to him and serve him, and you will surely find Christ in him…
(quote taken from www.eternitynews.com.au)
As COVID-19 approaches our communities, here are some ways that we can love our neighbor:
Practice good hygiene (washing hands, covering your sneeze, etc.)
Honor social the government’s distancing recommendations.
Call or video chat those who are isolated (self-quarantine, nursing homes, assisted livings, etc.)
Help transport food and other necessities to those who are isolated.
Share the hope of Christ with those who fear death.
May God strengthen you in the task at hand!