Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
As of this morning, over 30 states in the US are reporting an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. The situation may get worse in the following weeks because it is reported that 80 percent of COVID-19 cases were not reported. With over 123,000 deaths in the US so far, many people are struggling with COVID fatigue. Many people are desperate for a sense of normalcy. They are tired of sheltering-in-place. Yet it does not look like the pandemic is going to slow down anytime soon.
COVID fatigue is causing many to become depressed. The monotony of sheltering-in-place is challenging for numerous people to handle. According to mental health experts, the coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis. Anxiety and depression are rising dramatically. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly half of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health. Online therapy company Talkspace reported a 65 percent jump since mid-February.
In today’s text, the psalmist reminds us that we can find rest in God. Amid the protests and social unrest happening around the country while the pandemic continues to kill thousands, we need to be reminded there is rest in God. When we are fatigued by the vicissitudes of life, we can find our rest in the Lord.
I can only imagine how many people are struggling with insomnia during this pandemic. The financial crisis caused by COVID-19 has exacerbated the mental pressure and psychological trauma many people experience. In times like these, people’s sleep patterns tend to be disrupted because they are anxious about the present and the future.
Whereas we can quote Philippians 4:6, however, COVID fatigue fosters a level of anxiety that most people are not accustomed to handling. Most people do not want to be anxious, but the mental pressure of living during a pandemic and a time of social unrest is unsettling. I find myself meditating a lot more in the past few months than I usually do. Indeed, meditation has become my outlet to rest my soul in God so I can be ready to manage the mental pressures of each day.
It is important for Christians not to feel ashamed if they experience some of the symptoms of COVID fatigue, including depression, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness. We are to encourage one another as we create a safe space for other brothers and sisters to talk about their personal struggles with COVID fatigue. Whereas it is vital to pray without ceasing during these troublesome times, it is also necessary to have an outlet to process our emotional trauma.
Since we do not know how much longer COVID-19 will impact our lives so dramatically, we have to take preventive steps to help us outlast this pandemic with our sanity intact. This is the time for us to lean more on our faith in God so we can gain strength for our journey. Believers should get connected to the ministries of their church so they can find support and encouragement.
Now is the time for each one to help one. We should be checking on one another more regularly. A simple phone call can make a world of difference. Brothers and sisters should encourage one another to seek professional help if COVID fatigue becomes too challenging. Furthermore, we should be fervent in prayer for one another.
Let us not forget that God is our refuge and strength, a very help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-2). The Almighty offers rest from our weariness. Delighting in that rest can be challenging because of COVID fatigue. However, through prayer and the support of other brothers and sisters, we can walk in that rest in the name of Jesus.
Prayer- Heavenly Father, please help those who are anxious and depressed. May they learn to find rest in you!
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