The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the long-term quarantine, is contributing to the suffering of many people in various aspects of their lives. Suffering comes in many forms. Some may cope easier than others. That is why spiritual vigilance is important because a healthy spiritual life will contribute highly to a person’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
MENTAL HEALTH
During the last few months, mental health has been a continuing issue being raised in social media. As proof of this, a lot of organizations have been conducting mental health seminars regularly. People recognize that it is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with especially in these times.
Psalm 42 and 43 (which is thought of as one Psalm) is an example of a person in the Bible who had mental health issues. Minister and author Matthew Henry, speculates that David might have composed this psalm when he was prevented from returning to the sanctuary in Jerusalem either due to persecution by Saul or because of Absalom’s revolt. [MORE INFO HERE]
Think about it, even someone as brave as David can be depressed. But this psalm also answers the issue: He talks, no commands, his soul to put its hope in God. Nothing beats that. We need to be on top of our mental health and being vigilant of our spiritual life will help that. Check out this teaching on this psalm which is more thorough than I can share:
Spiritual vigilance will allow us to see what is wrong with our heart and mind and should help us get through the issues besieging our mental health.
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
People who have been used to a thriving social life are now relegated to a virtual presence. Some have no problem with this while there are those who have a hard time with this. They need the interaction that can only be achieved face-to-face. Those who prefer to be alone have become more alone.
The Bible has a reason when it says in Hebrews 10:25, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near,” because it is clear in its purpose: to encourage one another.
We need to be with one another to encourage one another, be it virtual or face-to-face. The Bible commanded it. It could be just two people or many. Spiritual vigilance means we obey what the Word of God says.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
During this quarantine, it’s either you got healthier or you got “bigger.” This kind of bigger is not the good kind. It could mean that you have gotten heavier because you have been eating all day and not working out. Or that you haven’t gotten a decent amount of sunshine on you because you work for so long in your chair inside your air-conditioned room. You may already have some back pain recently because you are forgetting how to sit right.
Whether you agree with me or not, this pandemic is taking its toll on our bodies. Some have taken the opportunity to become healthier but a greater majority, who either do not have the means to buy exercise equipment, purchase organic food, or just do not have anything to eat because they do not have jobs anymore, are struggling. That is why we always need to be spiritually vigilant. Ask God what you need. He will answer, the Bible promised it, but you need to ask.
Remember the words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Christ strengthens YOU! Always remember that Christ loves you and He will strengthen you. When you feel weak, remember Jesus! When you are spiritually vigilant, you will know the signs of weakness, then you will something about it because YOU know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
