5 Survival Tips for The COVID-19 Quarantine

1. Choose Relationship

“It is not good for the man to be alone.”  Genesis 2:18

We are to physically distance ourselves, yet paradoxically, right now we need each other more than ever. In this extraordinary time, we must continually encourage, pray, and care for each other. I’m so grateful that we can still meet virtually through our e-Life Groups. I have found that this time has brought me closer to people that I haven’t spoken with in a long time. I would highly suggest that you send that text that you’ve been putting off and that you make that call to check in on your friends and family. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring people to mind that you need to reach out to because he will.

2. Choose Fun

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

First of all, we need to cut ourselves a little slack. Most likely, none of us have done this whole ‘quarantine thing’ before. Most of us haven’t worked from home. Most of us haven’t had to educate our children at home. Everything has been turned upside down and we’re all trying to find a new rhythm (check out Pastor Dave’s message about this) At our house we’ve tried to put things into our calendar to look forward to. For example, we decided to celebrate “Easter Christmas” (patent pending).  Each of us picked names with a $15 budget to buy gifts for each other on Easter weekend. So instead of being sad that we couldn’t visit our families for Easter dinner, we created our own fun. We have a creative God and as His children, we have that same creative DNA, and he can give us unique ways to bring joy into difficult situations. His joy gives us strength.

3. Choose Gratitude

^“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18

We’re not supposed to give thanks ‘for’ all circumstances, because COVID-19 is terrible. We are, however, supposed to be thankful regardless of, and in, all circumstances. We can always find something to be thankful for. For instance, I am so grateful that our family ‘just happened’ to move into an apartment double the size just weeks before this health crisis occurred. When you feel heavy or discouraged, take the time to write out all the things you are thankful for. I promise that you will begin to recognize God’s grace.

4. Choose Kindness

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,  just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 

We should be the nicest to the people who are the closest to us, giving our very best to our friends and family. This situation is just as hard for them as it is for you. This is also an incredible opportunity to strengthen your relationships with your roommates, or with your spouse and kids. You’ll probably never have more time with the people inside your house than you do right now.

5. Choose Worship

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

Throughout the Psalms, we see this unfiltered expression of honesty. David expresses how he feels to God. He tells God his hurts, pains, and frustrations. The interesting thing is that as he pours out his heart, his laments turn to praise. He worships through the storms of his life. If you are weary, scared, anxious, or frustrated, don’t run away from God. Instead, run to God. He knows what you’re going through. When you choose to worship and magnify God, He becomes bigger than what you are facing. Worship will not only change your perspective, but it will also transform the spiritual atmosphere of your home. You don’t have to be a great singer or musician. When I put on some worship music and sing along I am filled with supernatural peace. When you are downcast, choose worship.