Three months ago, the COVID-19 crisis was a sad situation happening on the other side of the world. And now, it’s right here, among us. Our daily life is shaped and constrained by it. In many ways, this pandemic has shaken everything, causing the unimportant and trivial to fall away, revealing what is important and what is not.
In the easiest of times, we cannot control everything. Today, we can control far less. Many of us feel helpless. It’s easy to give in to fear, grief, and discouragement. But, there is another way.
3 Areas of Priority During the COVID-19 Crisis
Whether we are working on the front lines or are stuck at home during the COVID-19 crisis, we can find peace and purpose by remembering what’s important. By focusing on those things that are lasting. Here are three areas to prioritize:
People over possessions, personal desires, and isolation
In trying times like these, our fallen human nature wants to look out for ourselves, to take care of our own needs – and even our desires – even if it harms someone else. Hoarding essential goods is a recent example. Another is flaunting the stay-at-home orders and putting others’ health at risk. Instead, let’s follow God’s command to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others” (Philippians 2:4). Share with those in need. Go out of our way to protect the health and well-being of others. And purposefully foster your relationships. We have incredible tools available today that allow us to connect with others even with the current social distancing restrictions. Utilize them. Have video chats with friends and family. While it’s no substitute for real face-to-face it’s a life line for them and for you until this is over.
Spiritual over physical
Granted, there are lots of things we could worry about right now – our physical health, our savings, our jobs, our future plans. But, worry won’t change any of these physical circumstances. Therefore, let’s focus on our spiritual health and well-being. Besides, it’s much more important any way. Here are some ways we can do that:
- Cooperate with God as He works through this trial to refine our faith. Lean in and learn to trust Him more. Ask Him to use this current difficulty to reveal your sinful attitudes, selfish motivations, and more. (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
- Stay in God’s Word – or get back in God’s Word. (See “4 Spiritual Benefits of God’s Word.“)
- Pray and take our worries, fears, and concerns to the One who has all power and authority!
- Encourage others with God’s truth. (See “COVID-19 Prayer Guide” and “I Choose to Truth God’s Truth Over My Emotions”)
Eternal over temporal
Yes, this COVID-19 crisis is dire. Lives are being lost. Businesses are closing. As difficult as these losses are, they are still temporary in the scope of eternity. Many people are searching for answers right now. Therefore, let us shift our focus to things that are eternal. Even though we have limited understanding, we can trust that God is working in and through this crisis to bring about His ultimate, eternal purposes (Isaiah 46:8-10). He is fulfilling His plans for redemption and restoration. Let’s join Him in His work. Let’s point the church back to Jesus. Let’s share the Gospel with those who don’t know Him.
What has captured your attention during the COVID-19 crisis? What can you do today to focus on what’s important?
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