Spiritual Lessons We Can All Learn From This Crisis

Throughout the modern era we have given lip service to the idea we live in uncertain times. Yet, we can all be assured, given the world’s attention to this latest pandemic, it is true. We have daily briefings and constant news reports about how to deal with the Coronavirus. We hear terms like social distancing and working remotely.  Our Country, our families, and to the extent most of the world, is dealing with the new normal. It has affected everyone on the planet, from small business owners, to students, to government officials. There is fear and concern everywhere for the end game. Questions surround us like: What is going to happen? Will all the businesses close? Will I lose my job, house, car, etc.? What about my family? Lord, where are you?

I think it is wise to reassess our priorities. With that, what are some of the lessons we can learn from this emergency?

We are never in control.  For a Type A personality, father, son, husband, and business owner, my natural reaction is that I must do something to fix any problem. We live in a society that elevates looking out for yourself and being totally in charge of our lives and situation. The reality of control is that it’s a myth. It’s something we always want but never really attain. Fortunately, I know God is in control. He is not surprised by any of this. He is the Sovereign King of the Universe.  That doesn’t mean I don’t worry, obsess, or have concern. Admittedly, I do more of that than you know. It is a very big test of trust for me. However, I can hold on to this truth – God loves me and is always there!

Our material possessions really don’t matter much during a crisis.  As I have become older now, these things seem to lose more and more of their luster. Sure, everyone likes nice things but they are temporary and never give us the kind of fulfillment that relationships can. When you are talking life and death, the bare minimum becomes the important. No, I am not talking about toilet paper…our basic necessities like food, water, showers, etc. Our relationship with God and our family are the most important thing.

God made us for community.  If you are like me, you can only do so much inside your home with very few people. I miss family, friends, my church, and adult fellowship class. God shows us throughout the Bible that the Church is a community of believers, not a building. There is no “go it alone Christianity.” Who among us doesn’t need the occasional support, encouragement, and help from a friend or brother in Christ?

Worry never accomplishes anything. This is my biggest struggle. Until I get a plan in place it can be a full-blown emergency for me. The reality is that worrying only makes things worse and never accomplishes anything. I am reminded of a conversation from the movie, Bridge of Spies, with Tom Hanks. His character asked the Russian spy, “Aren’t you worried about dying?” The spy replied, “No, how would that help?” God can use tragedy to grow our faith. It is never easy, as I can attest, but it can mature us for sure, which brings me to things we should be doing not only to help, but to witness to our family and the world.

Prayer:  It sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Recent stats on prayer make me sad. The majority of people spend less time in prayer than it takes to get a cup of coffee a day according to Barna research. To be fair, my prayer life hasn’t been as consistent as I would like as well. However, spending time in prayer on our knees before God is necessary. While in prayer, I would encourage you to follow the ACTS guidelines. This isn’t meant to be legalistic, but a good formula when we approach the throne of God.

Adoration (for Who God is)

Confession (for sin in our life)

Thanksgiving (for all God bestows on us)

Supplication (prayer or petitions for ourselves and others)

Too often we treat God like a vending machine. We think that God is there to grant all our needs or wishes. Sure, most of us don’t intend to do it, but we can trivialize our time in prayer.

I would encourage you to find a journal. Nothing has been more encouraging in my growth than journaling my worries, thoughts, and prayers before God. It allows me to organize my thoughts and be transparent. Additionally, it also provides an ability to go back weeks or years and see how the Lord took me through those trying or difficult times.

Time in the Bible:  As I get more and more in the Scripture, I learn more about the mystery of God and His plans for us. At times of crisis or need, God’s Word provides the comfort and strength we all can use. God’s Word gives us His mind and His parameters to enjoy and fellowship with Him on this side of eternity. If you are new to reading, there are several one-year Bibles out there. Candidly, I would try to focus on one book at a time because it gives you a picture to the times, problems, and solutions God provides in multiple situations, regardless of our sinful natures. Reading each book in context is key.

Turn off the Television:  Yep, I said it. I know we have Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. at our fingertips. Everything in moderation is alright. I still don’t understand binge watching 10 seasons of a show. However, there are so many more things we can be doing together or alone. Pick up a book you haven’t read, take time to play a game with the family, have a deep conversation, do that project around the house that we all put off until never. Also, we have information overload. Necessary information is good but hearing people scream at one another on a cable show might be entertaining at first but can make us anxious and mad later.

Ministry:  The Church has a huge opportunity during this time to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.”  First, we should be the first to demonstrate that God has this situation in His hands. He cares about us and wants the best for us. Second, reach out to friends, neighbors, the elderly, a fellowship class, to see how you might meet a need. It can be as simple as a phone call to bringing food to those that can’t get out of their home. Sometimes, an encouraging word can make a difference in those around us. Finally, we can share with those neighbors and friends out of our plenty. It might be as simple as giving something that has been rationed at the store to someone that really needs it.

The God of Creation is always in control. Maybe, God has allowed this crisis to bring the world to a halt and listen to Him. We have tried it our way and run away from Him just like ancient Israel. We have sinned in multiple ways, like abortion on demand, redefining of the family, all kinds of perversions, worshiping of sports, fame, fortune, etc. You name it and our Country, and to a bigger extent the World, has pursued it. God may be allowing this crisis for us to come back to Him. I love the Scripture (Psalm 46:10) and song that says, “Be still and know that I am God.” God is in control and wants us to enjoy life by His standards and rules. Our world is at a standstill and God is calling.

Will we listen?

S. Montgomery