God's Presence
by John Moore, MA, LCMHC
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16.33
Jesus told his followers plainly, “In the world you will have tribulation.” Tribulation comes in many forms - anxiety, worry, self doubt, all of which left untreated can turn into fear. Fear is simply defined as, “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.” Life in 2020 has certainly been filled with fear, anxiety, tribulation and uncertainty. As believers in Christ, we have the assurance of knowing a God who has overcome the tribulations of the world. Through Him, we have peace and we are able cling to his presence in difficult times.
The feeling of being alone is all too common in the world today. There are people all around us that feel isolated, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period of uncertainty, I encourage you to notice the variety of ways in which you experience God; in your thoughts, in your circumstances, in your interactions with others.
In Psalm 139, we read of a God that knows everything about us. He knows our thoughts, when we lie down and get up and even the number of hairs on our head. God’s presence becomes clear as we learn of him having “hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me.” That’s really close! Think about the hedges in your yard. Where are they? All around. God is all around us; He has us surrounded. We are unable to move without bumping into God. God is with us in times of celebration and times of fear. He comforts and he heals. He provides and sustains.
As we approach the Easter holiday, I encourage you to rely on what you know to be true about a God who will never abandon, leave or forsake us, even in times of fear and uncertainty. He understands feeling abandoned. He felt it on the cross. Jesus cried out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” God never left. He was there. He was present with Jesus, and when Jesus ascended to Heaven, God sent his Spirit to remain with us, so that we would never again be alone. God’s spirit is here to comfort, sustain, and advocate for us.
In our current state of social isolation, the challenge is to focus on our spiritual, mental and physical health while supporting our family and others. Remember, it is impossible to pour from an empty pitcher, so keep yours full with the steps listed below.
Below are ways that I encourage you to engage in self-care:
- Unplug– Turn off the television; time away from information overload is good for you. Allow yourself 30 minutes to an hour to get caught up in the morning and at night but don’t focus on the novel, focus on the cliff notes.
- Go outside– Nature can change your mind. Spring is here, take advantage of the warming weather. Better yet, start training for that 5k or marathon. Just getting your heart rate up is beneficial to your mental and physical health.
- Journal– Gratitude changes your attitude. List three positives that happened to you in a journal prior to going to bed. Train your brain to notice positive in your life.
- Call someone on the phone– Most of us are working from home and have more free time than normal. Reach out to that college friend you haven’t talked to in years. I guarantee your mood will be lifted!
- Write a letter– The lost art of the information age. Write a letter to a friend or family member, or shut in; better yet write two or three!
- Play a board game– These never go out of style, choose a strategy game like chess or do a puzzle, engage your mind via problem solving.
- Bird watch– Birds are active in the spring, go outside or watch through the window and count the variety of species in your own yard. A great way to start your day!