We all know many scriptures about finding help in a time of need…. but we still can feel stressed.  This is how many people feel right now.  Before this pandemic started, people were already going through a lot of stressful situations.  We’ve had financial crisis, mass killings, tornados, hurricanes, fires, and many other crisis situations that have affected us all. 

Now a world crisis of mass sickness is here.  It’s all that the news seems to be covering these days.  We can’t even socialize with each other anymore.  This is a very lonely and seemingly hopeless situation that all of humanity is in.  What we are all facing right now is very concerning and it will take some work to keep our own mental health in check.

Let’s take some advice from David:

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.   1 Samuel 30:6

At this point we must encourage ourselves in the Lord because there ain’t nobody else around!  Not friends, family, neighbors, your pastor or church members.

 So, the best thing we can do is to know what the bible says about this:

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalm 42:11Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Next we must pray and here is a scripture about that:

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We need to give that bad boy (problems & stress) over to the Lord! Now that you are home alone or just with your family…. have some long conversations with God.  Tell Him everything about how you feel.  Not a formal type of prayer, but just talk to Him like a friend, like your Father, like someone who really cares about your welfare….because HE DOES CARE!!! God is the only one who can help, so it is essential for us to tell Him about our troubles and ask him to help us in our time of need.

Also if you are afraid, stressed, depressed, feeling down…share that with Him. It’s ok to be honest with God your Father. He won’t judge you!!!

I was healed miraculously from life long depression and suicidal attempts in 1983.  The thing I remember about the whole ordeal was that I HAD NO HOPE!  I was hopeless!  It was like being in a dark deep pit.  It is a lie and a scheme from the enemy to pull us away from this life.  He is tricky and sly in how he attempts to bring us down.  He tries to use this tactic on every single human being.  He uses fear and intimidation to try to scare us. He is using this method with this pandemic. The devil is trying to act like the boogieman!

DON’T FALL FOR HIS MESS!!!!!!!  He will and has used this pandemic to do this!  Don’t let him have this kind of power over your thoughts.  Please do this: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7. He ain’t got that kinda’ power over you!!!!!!

My advice: You know yourself.   You know what brings you down.  You need to know what brings you up also!!!

This is what I do to keep my head above water:

  1. Prayer and bible study.
  2. Worship God by praising Him.
  3. Listening to sermons and teachings online.
  4. I ask for prayer from godly friends when I need to.
  5. I look out the window or go outside and look up at the sky and ponder about God.
  6. I try to do something for someone else, to encourage and bring cheer to them. (Text and phone now please)
  7. Think good thoughts: Finally, brothers and sisters, 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
  8. I listen to music and I sing my heart out.
  9. Watch or listen to comedy.
  10. Watch “Little House on the Prairie!!!” Lol! (Still on TV!)
  11. Go for a walk (local…like your back yard)
  12. Shop on line ( Hey…you’re getting a stimulus check LOL!)

(PSA: If you are in an extreme mental state, please reach out for help. There are many hotlines and mental health help & care available.)

GOD TELLS US TO DO THIS:

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

When you have done all you can do…. When the doctors are powerless to cure you…. When your finances are depleted……When there’s nobody around and you’re alone….. when your problems are huge and lasting a long time…. STAND!!! 

You have on all your armor….and you’ve done what the bible says to do…. STAND!!! 

I’m not saying this will be easy but I’m here to tell you that you can do this!  You got this because GOD’S GOT YOU!!!!!