"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." Yet sometimes, when the world seems to be in crisis all around you, resting in the Lord seems nearly impossible. With worldwide pandemics, civil unrest, and violence on every news headline today, how can you turn your focus to the Lord and find your hope in Him? In the year of COVID, you may find that your stress and anxiety levels are higher than normal. How should you respond?
As a believer, you have practical tools you can use to get help when you need it. Here are five steps to take to keep your faith strong, even in times of crisis. Whether the crisis is a global one or simply the stress of managing your college experience, these practical steps will help you get through the storm with your faith intact.
As a believer, your ultimate hope relies not in the people and circumstances around you, but rather in the God who is above it all. Prayer is one of the most powerful resources we have, yet it's one we tend to ignore. During crises, prayer is vital.
Sometimes, especially when facing serious issues, you may feel as though you have no words left. That's not a problem for God. Remember, Romans 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit makes intercession on behalf of us. When you don't even know how to pray, pray what is on your heart, and know that you have an intercessor who is standing in the wings for you.
When you feel trapped with the same prayer day after day, ask your intercessor to help. Find prayers in the scripture and pray those on your own behalf. Praying will build your faith and help you to keep your eyes focused on the Lord, even in times of crisis.
Meditation is powerful, especially for the Christian. Meditation is not some whimsical clearing of your mind. It is rather a spiritual discipline when you close out the world around you and focus your mind and heart on prayer and Bible study. It is taking the time to reflect on God's attributes and interactions in the world, based on what you learn in Scripture. It is thinking deeply about the truths you are learning in your own Bible study.
So how do you do this? Find a quiet place with your Bible and a notebook and pen. Acknowledge God's presence and choose to focus your mind on Scripture. Practice memorizing a passage or studying it in depth using commentary. Use the time to copy a favorite passage into a notebook. Think deeply about a small passage and how it applies to what you are dealing with in life. Clear your mind of other cares and concerns while you are practicing meditation.
Times of crisis are extremely taxing on you emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, you are going to need someone else to help you sort out what you are feeling and experiencing. It is OK, even as a Christian, to look for help.
Talking to someone else can help you prioritize your life. It can help you determine what's important and vital to your faith, and what is not. You may find a trusted family member, such as your parent or sibling, can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. A pastor may be the right person to turn to.
Sometimes, if your anxiety and feelings of turmoil are extremely high, you need professional counseling. There is no shame for a Christian in protecting your mental health by getting professional counseling or therapy.
When the news around you feels physically painful, turn it off and grab your Bible. The Bible is the ultimate source of comfort, especially in a troubled world. The Psalms, where King David cried out to the Lord over and over, are incredibly calming.
As you immerse yourself in God's word, you will find your anxieties start to calm. The more familiar you become with the Scripture, the less worried you feel about what is going on around you. Yes, there are times when the world feels like it is in crisis, but ultimately as a Christian, you know where to find hope.
Taking care of your physical body can actually improve your spiritual and mental health. Exercising releases endorphins, which are the "feel good" hormones that boost your mood. In times of crisis, you need to exercise regularly to keep negative feelings at bay.
When it comes to exercise, choose something you enjoy doing that gets the heart pumping. You don't have to go to the gym, though that's always a nice option if you want to work out with others. Simply strap on your running shoes and go for a walk or a jog. You will find that your mind and heart clear and you're ready to tackle the next crisis after you get a little exercise.
Next Steps for You
We live in a world that is challenging. Sometimes it can feel like we are simply waiting for the next crisis. As a Christian, your hope is in the Lord, not in the world around you. So, what are the next steps?
When you're feeling overcome by the amount of suffering around you, turn your eyes up. Evaluate your spiritual health, and make sure you are spending time in God's word to ground yourself and put your focus where it needs to be. Take care of your physical health as well, and don't be afraid to get professional counseling if it's needed. Soon you will find that you're able to weather the challenges of today's life with peace and hope because your hope comes from outside this world.
If you’d like to learn more about keeping your faith during times of trouble or want to learn more about a biblically-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email admissions@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Oct 22, 2020
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College is more than just a place to continue your education after high school. The time you spend at college will change and shape you in ways you could never imagine.
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