How Do I Thrive in Faith During COVID-19?
I hear a wide variety of opinions surrounding ‘Church at Home’ during this season of corona virus. It is fair to say that adjustment and flexibility have been necessary. Our church staff and those who work to make Sunday morning happen, have worked diligently to make the experience of church accessible and meaningful. The learning curve was steep as the need for change came so unexpectedly; I am thankful for their best efforts. While the Church at Home experience is available to us, preaching the truth in whatever form and tradition to which we are accustomed, it is not the same. It falls short. Period. It leaves many asking the question, “How do I thrive in my faith during COVID-19 when I can’t go to church??”
What Is Church?
Without the possibility to meet together during this season of restriction, the definition of ‘church’ may be challenged for some. Scripture teaches us that the church is both a local and universal group of those declaring belief in Jesus as their Saviour. (1 Corinthians 1:2, Matthew 16:18) It is interesting to note that a building or specific gathering place is never mentioned. We, as believers in Jesus, comprise the church and are sustained by God Himself. So then, if the physical building is not part of the equation, why do many find themselves craving to be within its walls?
Community
I would hazard a guess that most are missing the feeling of connectedness, family, unity and shared experience. A quick search of Scripture reveals many references to being children of God, adoption into the family of God, sons and daughters, the body of Christ and so on. As believers, we are family and so it can be difficult to be apart and experience the discomfort of doing faith alone. Personally, I want to stand and sing with others, boldly declaring who our God is. I miss it…a lot. I want to see physical faces of all ages, to hold the hand or touch the shoulder of someone I pray with. We were designed to walk alongside one another in physical community. Without it, we can begin to falter and lose focus. Perhaps this is where you find yourself and you question how you will thrive in your faith without the ability to go to church.
Church Is Not the Point
Allow me to explain! I hope you hear my affirmation for community and gathered times of worship. In keeping with my values, I am a dedicated and involved member of a church that I love. I believe it is crucial to be invested in a church for the long-term health of your faith, but the church cannot be our main objective. God is the point! Without him, there is no need for faith, for community, for worship or service of any kind. But maybe, without a weekly sermon and Bible study led by the ‘church’, you may be struggling to find your way.
Pursuit of Intimacy
My journey to vibrant faith has been a personal endeavor, involving the pursuit of God in intimacy. I needed a fresh and honest approach to Scripture and prayer. This will look different for each of us as we are all unique with varied ‘worship personalities’, but regardless, God’s spirit calls to our own, inviting us deeper.
For many years, even while a pastor, I struggled to see the Bible as more than a text book or a resource. I believed the words within, understanding their origin and significance, but more often than not, I could read them without much effect. I longed to go deeper and be like those who seemed so in tune and passionate about the Word. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1 NIV) This verse resonated with me and yet seemed far off and unattainable.
Change It Up
Change came when I made a decision to jump into the metaphorical deep end and see what could happen. Just like a child who believes that her daddy will catch her, I dared to trust that God would catch me when I launched from this somewhat stagnant place. I started to engage with the words I was reading in order to see if they were truly alive. I responded honestly to the thoughts on the page and let go of reading a chapter just for the sake of a daily routine. As I allowed myself the freedom to wrestle with the text and sit in tension over some of the concepts I had simply glossed over before, I felt new life beginning to stir in me. I became eager to visit again and see what God might reveal or unfold. This became a new rhythm of dialogue and resultant praise from my mouth. It felt like thriving and it was happening only between God and I.
If you find yourself stuck and apathetic in your attitude toward Scripture:
- Be willing to adopt a new approach and ask the Holy Spirit to direct you
- Stop reading whenever a thought or feeling rises and talk to God about it, fleshing out what is stirring within you. Allow it to become a dialogue.
- Evaluate what you need for growth – read and pray while outside, light candles and play soft music before you begin, read articles and commentaries that spur you to investigate Scripture further, discuss/debate your questions with a trusted friend/pastor/coach, sit in silence and take time to let the truths soak in, find a way to serve in new and practical ways…
Focus on Who God Is
In a world plagued with confusion and chaos, pandemics and horrific acts against humanity, we need a focal point that rises above the brokenness of man. I quickly get lost when I start to look at mankind and try to make sense of it all with my own understanding. I need God’s perspective and want his wisdom. In my quest for intimacy and vitality in faith, this has been crucial for going deeper with God. When I am focused on who he is and what he promises, my perspective changes. The circumstances may not budge but somehow my ability to think more clearly and find strength to move on absolutely does. In essence, it requires using a filter, like a photographer may use to soften his shot, to change your view. Applying a ‘God filter’ allows everything to run through his perspective and the truth of his Word. Allowing this lens to change your view can allow you to thrive in faith in this season of COVID-19.
- Ask yourself while you’re reading Scripture what the text says about the character of God.
- Worship God for these attributes when you pray, while out in nature, in discussion with family and friends.
- Rehearse this truth when tempted to fixate on the negative current events or your own toxic thoughts.
- When you are missing your faith community, remember that God’s church will prevail and you have a part to play. Ask him what he would have you do today!
What now?
Consider these words from Psalm 119:
169 May my cry come before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
Is there a way to thrive in faith during COVID-19 when we cannot meet as the larger church? Yes, friends. It starts with our eyes and our hands – we fix our eyes on Jesus and we hold the word in our hands. He is our steady refuge where we can find safety and security. Jesus is a strong tower when the world is literally sliding into the sea. We have a mighty God.
If you need help navigating your journey, feel free to contact me and I would be honoured to walk alongside you. It is a priceless gift to have someone in your corner.
If you need therapeutic help in this season, please contact Mercy Seat Ministry and their staff will gladly connect with you.
You are not alone.
