First, learn to recognize some POSITIVE in your circumstances.
Second, emphasize the BENEFITS. You don’t have to ignore the negatives, but don’t concentrate on them. Focus on what is good.
Third, identify what you can control and what you cannot. Our stress is magnified when we want to manage what is beyond our control.
ADDRESS what you can control. Take steps to make those areas better.
Surrender the things you can’t control to the Lord in prayer. Literally say a prayer that gives the issue to the Lord, asks him to take care of it, and then states your confidence and gratitude that he will intervene.
Do something to reinforce your surrender. Replace your frantic thoughts with calming ones, based on God’s word, For example Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you; I will never forsake you,” or Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear for I am with you: do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Choose a “SURRENDERING MOTTO” something you can learn and repeat to yourself. You might choose the phrase “It is well with my soul,” or simply “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” and then add “I shall not worry, fear, fall, ...”
FOCUS on today. We need to think about future possibilities so we can get ready. That’s planning and preparation. Projecting the worst possibilities into the weeks ahead is NOT. Focus on today. David Hostetler wrote, “Focus your mind and heart on this day and its challenges. That’s plenty. The same God who is with you and empowers you to meet today will be there tomorrow.”
With these steps we can cope with the frustration, uncertainty, and pressures of this pandemic with greater faith and peace.
From David Hostetler “Let Go and Let God,...” and William Arruda “Five Inspiring Antidotes for Coronavirus Fear and Negativity.”