Walk by Faith, Not By Coronavirus

This post is intended for Christians looking to deepen their faith and mental health and may not apply to my entire reader base.

I am honored to be surrounded by incredible people who exhibit incredible strength and faith in the most trying circumstances.  These past few weeks as the Coronavirus has led to increased fears, panic, product hoarding, and expressed racism, I have seen the stellar example of many clients and friends wading these uncertain waters with confidence, skill, and calm.  

Many of you know that treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders is how I spend most of my time clinically.  Despite the fact that the 'neurotypical' person may think those with disorders are probably “going crazy” right now with the Coronavirus (and it’s definitely been really hard for many), I have found in my practice much the opposite.  I am observing right now during the Coronavirus pandemic how those who have trained themselves to persevere through difficult stressors and triggers- with intentional acceptance of uncertainty, mindfulness rather than obsession, and valued action rather than compulsion- are revealing how beneficial the training of the mind and heart is.  I have personally experienced more frantic, panic-induced efforts by folks I’ve come in contact with outside therapy than inside my office. I’ve also seen several of my Christian clients reveal an incredibly deep faith that inspires me (even if they suffer with worry and anxiety).

For those of us as Christians, we can rely on awesome skills we develop in therapy, and it also needs to go deeper than skills.  Here are some questions to help you consider the truth we stand on:

Are we walking by faith, not by sight?

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV).

Do we believe nothing- nothing- can separate us from the love of God?

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Do we practice mindfulness in what's true?  

“Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Are we loving our neighbor (which is everyone- see Luke 10:25-37)?  Considering others’ needs?

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).


I hope you are encouraged- as I have been by others’ faith today- in where our focus as believers is to be.  Faith. Hope. Love. The greatest is love.  

Sincerely,
Justin K. Hughes