We are currently living through the greatest crisis in recent history. It can be overwhelming, exhausting and stressful.
In yesterday's sermon, I said that this crisis is also an opportunity for training in the virtues of faith, hope and love. Practically speaking, how can we do that? In addition to the essential Christian disciplines of prayer and Bible reading, here are some other practical tips. None of them are surprising or original to this post, but they can be easily forgotten in the midst of a crisis:
- Eat well and exercise.
- Take a break from work (or whatever you're doing) when you're feeling overwhelmed.
- Limit the amount of news you watch or read. Though we need to be informed about developments and government announcements during this pandemic, the negativity and alarmism of much of the news can be unhelpful and all-consuming, especially in large doses.
- Make time for silence and solitude. Jesus Himself did this often (Luke 5:16). Early morning is often the best time for this, but choose a time that works for your daily routine. Quiet time will give you perspective and allow you to filter through what really matters amidst all the noise.
- Talk to a friend. We are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to love another, especially in such a time as this.