Spiritual Benefits of a Quarantine

I receive daily and weekly correspondence from various ministries which share insight and encouragement for the pastor. While much of it is very valuable in regard to its relevancy to my situation and calling, I must admit that in order to read all of it, I would need to resign from my current position. Since I enjoy being your pastor, I am left with no option but to throw many of these resources into the trash compartment of my email management page. There is, however, one particular resource that I have come to appreciate each week. While it provides links to several articles designed to encourage and enlighten the pastor, it primarily provides hilarious humor.

In the past couple of weeks, I have enjoyed this resource even more. As the blistering reports of the effects of the COVID-19 continue to develop so rapidly, all of us have been overwhelmed with the bad news. Like you, I am in unchartered territory. There are very few conversations which are not heavy laden with the backdrop of our current health and economic crisis. Our daily lives, our workplaces, our homes, and even our church have been radically impacted by all these events. So, a pause in my day for laughter was much appreciated. The following words are shared by a contributing editor to this ministry resource.

(Please imagine the following message as a crackly, radio transmission)

Update: Day 10 of the home quarantine and the situation is dire. Supplies are dwindling. Cabin fever has set in. The little people in lockdown with us have overrun the compound. They’re wasting toilet paper. Eating all the good food. Messing up the house faster than we can clean it and refusing to obey even direct orders. They can be distracted for periods of time with TV, but they inevitably return to unleashing chaos. We’ve barricaded ourselves in our bedroom but the door will hold for only so long.

Do not send backups. They will just perish along with us.

This may be my last transmission.

Over and out,

Perhaps you can relate to this man’s dire situation all too easily. The order to self-quarantine, or at least to stay away from others as much as possible, has been a difficult task, to say the least. So, how can we make the most of our “social-distancing” situation in the home?

1) Deepen your faith.

The Psalmist wrote, “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me” (Psalm 42:7). While most of us spend our days expanding the reach of our information and acquaintances, these are usually lacking in any depth. The psalmist explained that it was in the midst of troubling times that he drew closer to the Lord. Knowing Christ cannot be a rushed experience. In our “One-Minute Devotional” world, this current crisis has demanded a pause to our lives. May we reflect more upon God’s Word and drink deeply of the knowledge of the Holy (Matthew 13:9).

2) Develop your family.

Another psalm states, “We will not hide them [God’s Word] from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he had done” (Psalm 78:4). While it is frustrating and disappointing that the routine events of our day (school, sports, social gatherings) are not being enjoyed, it does force upon us the opportunity to be together with family. Take this time that would normally be so busy with activity, and spend it in getting to learn and appreciate each other more. Play together. Laugh together. And pass along, especially to your children, a faith in Jesus Christ that alone will sustain them through our current crisis and the more that will come their way.

3) Appreciate connections.

Paul instructed the Roman church to “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8). The church was not designed to function under a “social-distancing” order. It is difficult to fulfill the mission of the church when we are kept from our normal gatherings. Yet, this short circumstance of events should make us appreciate even more the people of God in our local church. While we cannot gather in groups for some time, we are making every effort to stay connected via technology and creative means. Be certain to make every effort to participate in opportunities to worship, give, and serve during these unique circumstances. When God allows this to pass, may our fellowship be even stronger.

Jason