As we prepare this month’s issue of the Good Tidings News, New Zealand and most of Australia are under lockdown. Many families are facing difficulty and uncertainty as travel is restricted, school arrangements are changing, and some industries are shut down entirely while others face strict conditions in order to be able to work.
There is a sense that we have all done this before by now, yet nobody really wants to go through it again. Nonetheless, the church has to continue doing what we do – uplifting Jesus, serving others, and proclaiming truth.
Here are a few things that we can do to survive lockdown:
- Look after yourself – think about your physical, mental and spiritual health.
- Spend time with God daily, in prayer and study of His word
- Stay in touch with people in your circle. Find out if they need anything, and let them know they have a friend in you. Especially think of those who live on their own or have difficulties to deal with.
- Check yourself on how well you are following the laws of health, including sunshine, exercise in the fresh air, adequate rest, plenty of water, good nutrition and being temperate.
- Engage in activities that will be good for your brain. Avoid behaviours that are addictive and might contribute to depression. Being active and useful is key.
- Work on your relationships, particularly with those in your household – given the fact that we are all spending more time together in the same place as family units, and there is added strain on relationships due to circumstances.
- Refuse to give in to fear – in whatever form, for whatever reasons. The number one command in the Bible is, “do not fear.” Remember God’s promises and pray for God’s peace until you have it.
- Pray for the leaders of your country, as we are commanded to do, and pray that the pandemic situation may be brought to an end, that God’s church may be free to work without hindrance.
- Seek to help those in need, as Jesus would do if He were in your place. Focusing on others rather than yourself will be a blessing.
- Share God’s word, the truths of the gospel, at every opportunity seeking to point people to Jesus.
- Focus on thoughts that are positive and constructive at all times, remembering Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”