COVID-19 Strikes, What Can We Do?

Not only in Indonesia, the rapid spread of Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 has had a major impact on the lives of people around the world. National and international business and economic activity have slowed down. People talk about COVID-19 without ceasing, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The emergency situation in many major cities around the world has made many people panic and feel helpless. 

Then, the more we read / hear / discuss this event, the more anxious our hearts become. So, what can we do to deal with it? 

Perhaps this is the time to look again at the truth written in the Bible, because God's word is a guide for how we should live. Here are things we can do in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Pray, Give Thanks, and Build a Relationship with God

Let us ask ourselves, how much time do we spend reading, watching, sending messages via chat group, or talking about COVID-19? Compare that with: how much time do we spend praying or reading His word, which can strengthen us?

I wonder whether God is actually “forcing” us to have a “Sabbath day.” How many of us never stop working or properly set aside time for Him? In the midst of this slowing pace of life, perhaps this is the right time to spend time with God. To rebuild our relationship with God, which has long been buried by our busyness. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

When we are with God, we can express everything we feel, our fear, anxiety, and panic. But the book of Philippians does not only teach us to pray about our worries, but also to accompany them with thanksgiving. Giving thanks can help us remember God's boundless faithfulness, which can give us hope for the future. 

Do Good

Perhaps we wonder what God desires through this COVID-19 outbreak. What message does God want to convey? No one knows specifically about this. However, one thing is certain: God wants us to keep doing good things. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

In this difficult situation, many people need our support. And there are so many positive things we can do, such as:

• helping our parents (cooking, cleaning, washing, and so on) while we have more time at home
• checking on friends or relatives through chat, phone, or video call
• continuing to live in an orderly way; for those applying WFH (work from home), keep working professionally and responsibly
• sharing quiet time reflections and encouraging one another
• praying together with family members at home
• cleaning bedrooms, personal items, and other rooms in the house
• not spreading hoax news that causes many people to be afraid, and checking whether information is true before passing it on
• using time productively, for example by reading books or exercising, things that have rarely been done because of busyness

This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. – Titus 3:8

And let our people also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to provide for urgent needs, so that their lives may not be unfruitful. – Titus 3:14

God reminds us not to focus on our problems and fears, but to focus on good deeds, such as spreading strength, love, and continuing to live in an orderly way. Why? Because these are things that are excellent and profitable, and so that our lives may remain fruitful in every circumstance. 

Read the Psalms

In the Psalms, David wrote down God's promises that strengthened him when he was afraid in the face of things beyond his control. Those same promises, which God fulfilled for David, can also be a source of strength for us today. God's word will refresh our hearts and calm our souls. 

Here are some of them:

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:1-4

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD! Be strong, and let your heart take courage! Yes, wait for the LORD! – Psalm 27:13-14

Follow the Government's Advice

In an emergency situation, it is easier for us to criticize or pay no attention to the policies set by the authorities. However, the government together with medical workers are working hard to protect the people. And the Bible says that we must submit to the government and our leaders.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Therefore whoever rebels against the authorities is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. – Romans 13:1-2

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. – Titus 3:1

So, let us follow whatever guidelines, advice, and rules the government puts in place in its effort to protect the health and safety of all the people of Indonesia.

Maintain Cleanliness and Health

A strong spirit dwells in a healthy body. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must pay even more attention to our health and lifestyle. Among other things by:

• getting enough sleep and not staying up late
• eating nutritious food
• practicing social distancing, washing hands often or using hand sanitizer
• avoiding touching the face and throwing away masks after use
• changing clothes every day or after returning from going out, and not wearing them again
• limiting activities outside the home and going out only when truly necessary (young people and children can become carrier (carriers) of the virus corona, without symptoms, and transmit it to elderly people or those who have a history of chronic illness)
• getting sunlight every day, between 10:00-15:00, for just 15 minutes
• taking supplements, such as vitamin C, to increase the body's immunity
• exercising regularly
• resting at home if sick or not feeling well

We stay alert and practice the things above not because we lack faith or do not believe God will protect us, on the contrary, it is precisely because this is what God desires. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). We believe God can protect us, but we also need to do our part. 

As the whole world, including Indonesia, is fighting against the COVID-19 outbreak, let us use our time, hearts, and minds for things that are true, good, and beneficial. Do what is our part, such as maintaining cleanliness, following the government's advice, and strengthening our relationship with God. May in this way we please God's heart and become a blessing to others around us. God bless!

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