How Are You Doing?
Can I be honest? These past few weeks and even months have been mentally draining. We’re navigating through a global pandemic, the political divide is at an all time high, and in the year 2020 we are still faced with having to fight against racial injustice.
Just the simple things and pleasures aren’t simple anymore. We can’t freely go to places without being constantly reminded of the situation we are in. Though I have not personally lost my job or lost loved ones during all of this chaos, my heart aches for those who have.
I believe that God has called His people for such a time as this but what do we do? What do we say? Nothing really makes sense and many of us are still stuck at trying to process this year ourselves.
It’s very tempting to want to unplug for a little while but on the other hand, you may feel pressed with the guilt of doing so. I’m here to tell you that doing so, is okay. Yes, I do believe that it is important to stay connected but if you’re in need of a mental break, don’t be ashamed to take it. Unplugging for a little while doesn’t mean that you are shutting down. It just means that you are taking the time to position yourself back into the mental and spiritual place you need to be in.
Refrain from watching the news all day or being on social media for hours on end watching the chaos unfold. Instead, do practical things that you enjoy or find comfort in such as watching your favorite movie, going for a walk, or calling up a friend to have a wholesome conversation. Find some type of entertainment that will make you laugh during this time because laughter does the body good. Most important of all, STAY IN GOD’S PRESENCE! Seek His face like never before. Remain in constant prayer and worship.
Many of us are drained and tired but even during this time, God is still saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28.
As much help as I want to be for others during this time, I know that I can’t do so without God’s direction. God knows I don’t have all the answers. No one on this earth does but I know that God does. Therefore, before quickly reacting in response to the events in this season, I’ve learned that it’s best to first drown out all of the background noise and really press into His presence for peace and clear instructions.
It’s natural to look at what everyone else is doing in response to everything that’s going on and want to follow suit. But what I’ve realized is that if we stop to seek God first, what He will instruct us to do individually in response to this time will differ. This year has impacted everyone in different ways so it’s no surprise that our responses will be different. The way God is leading you to respond is dependent upon how He is dealing with you during this season.
Be aware that you CAN’T do it all. Matter of fact, you won’t be able to do it all because it’s not for you to be able to meet EVERY current need there is. Only the all sufficient God can do such a thing. But because we were called to help those in need (Proverbs 31: 8-9), help in the areas God has graced you strength to be able to do so in.
To tackle racial injustice; some people He may call to PEACEFULLY protest while others He may call to sign petitions or conduct meetings with governmental officials. Concerning the pandemic; He may call some to volunteer at food pantries and call others to raise money for families in need. Play only YOUR role in helping others during this season to ultimately lead the hearts of others to Christ. Doing more than what God has graced you to do will only lead to you becoming worn out.
Just keep in mind that you can’t pour into anybody when you yourself are completely drained. If you find that you are depleted, run to the Father so that you can be refilled to do the work He’s commissioned you to do. Right now, evaluate your mental and spiritual levels. How are you doing?
