FIGHT – The INTERNAL BATTLE During the Pandemic

So we find ourselves in unusual circumstances – confined to home, working from home offices, or not working, thrust into the school teacher role or doing schoolwork online, no sports or social gatherings - far removed from our usual routines and schedules… off-kilter. At first we may have enjoyed the “home time” thinking it would be short-term, like a "staycation” maybe. But as days turned into weeks, it is apparent that life is not the same, the staycation is over and we are adapting to new ways of “doing life” for now.

It's being called a “war” against the enemy virus. And mandated guidelines are supposed to keep us safe while the unrelenting enemy runs its course and researchers try to develop a vaccine.  We follow those mandates – staying home except for essential needs, “social distancing” not coming within 6 feet of another person living outside our home, not visiting loved ones in nursing homes or hospitals, good hygienic practices, washing and sanitizing and face masking.

But what about the Internal Personal Struggle in our THOUGHTS?  This struggle is also very real.  Who am I now? What am I doing? What should I be doing? How do I make productive use of these days?  How long will it be like this? How do I stay on even-keel on this stormy sea? 

We must FIGHT.

Using the acrostic F-I-G-H-T  here is a partial battle strategy.

 F – Feed on the Right Things

·         Spiritually – Feed on God’s Word, Christian Radio, Praise Music, Church services online.

·         Mentally – Feed on Good Books, Good Conversation – (Avoid watching News 24/7. Stay informed, yes, but a constant diet of fear inducing depressing coverage only discourages us and makes us afraid.)

·         Physically – Take care of yourself. Eat good nutritious food. Get outside if possible for fresh air and sunshine. Get some physical exercise.

 I – Inspire Others

·         “Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

·         Have a positive uplifting attitude – this helps everyone in the house.

·         Write and send encouraging cards, notes, texts, emails.

·         Make phone calls to someone who is alone and may feel isolated

·         Online conferencing with your usual groups

·         Have an on-line book club

 G - Glorify God

·         “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

         1 Corinthians 10:31

·         Get up, get dressed, make the bed, keep a schedule.

·         “Do the next thing” and do it with excellence. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

·         Be thankful – “Be joyful always, Pray continually; Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

·         Memorize a Bible verse

 H- Help Those You Can help.

·         Spiritually – pray for one another – Government leaders, researchers, first and last responders, healthcare workers, sick, elderly, family, friends, neighbors, etc.

·         Emotionally – encourage each other creatively

·         Physically – run errands to get needed supplies for those who need help. Check on your neighbors and friends. Contact those who live alone to ensure they are well.

Participate with those who are endeavoring to help – give financially, donate supplies, volunteer.

T- Think on the Right Things

·         “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

·       Think about what you DO have and count your blessings.

·       Think about what you CAN do and do it!

·        Do not worry!   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings and peace as you fight on!

What are YOU doing to fight the internal battle? Comment and share your ideas.

Ruth