When Your Heart Is Overwhelmed
Fog. God has been using this natural phenomenon to give me perspective for many years now. This past week has been different. With the many historical changes occurring in our nation in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, and working in healthcare myself, I could not help but feel overwhelmed.
As I drove to work, fog encased my vehicle. It was difficult to see the brake lights of the truck in front of me. That is when God reminded me - just like fog causing difficulty to see in front of me, the future is unclear. But in these circumstances, driving in the fog and in our current national state, I know Who is in control and Who can see clearly.
God is not panicked; God is not worried. God is bigger than COVID-19. In that moment when I was feeling overwhelmed, God led me to the Rock that is higher than I, and provided me with His perfect peace (Psalm 61:2; Philippians 4:7).
So, in this current time in our nation and our world, what should we do?
PRAY
We need to pray. Pray for the health of your family and community. Pray for those who are immuno-compromised, those who already have chronic health issues, and for the elderly. Pray for our children and the homeless. Pray for our nation and our leaders at every level; for wisdom in making unbelievably tough decisions during this time. Pray for our healthcare system and workers. Pray for your own health. Prayers do not need to be perfect, they just need to be pure.
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
Wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer. Don’t touch your face. If you are feeling under the weather, stay at home. Decisions have been made to protect you, as well as those with much more vulnerable immune systems.
RESIST THE PANIC
Do not panic, but also do not let someone cough in your face and then proclaim, “God will protect me!” This always reminds me of a story my dad loves to tell in times like these about a man who pleaded with God to save him during a terrible flood. God sent the man a warning, car, canoe, boat, and helicopter, but still perished. When the man entered Heaven he asked God why He didn’t save him and God responded saying He had sent all these things to save the man, what else was he looking for? If you are interested you can find the entire parable here.
I believe God loves us and is the Almighty Healer, but God also wants us to practice common sense. Listen to what health officials are saying. Stay informed and educated using credible sources, like the CDC. Do not fall into the pit of fear. For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
BE KIND
Follow the age-old Christian instruction of ‘What would Jesus do?’ If someone is in need in your community in any fashion, reach out and see what you can do to help. This is a time we can show people kindness and empathy and truly show them the love of Jesus.
“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:36-40
And as we like to say, “This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.” Your life may look somewhat different in the upcoming months, but remember who is ultimately in control. God knows what He is doing. When you feel overwhelmed, anxious, worried, or scared, just look up to Him.
Praying blessings, health, and safety over you and yours!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.