I have Coronanxiety

BY PR EVANGELINE CHEONG

I did not realise I was anxious until I sat down to pray that day. Life has been truly turned upside down for many of us. Daily routines had all been upset: “Which day of the week was the best to leave the house and walk down to the Fairprice supermarket?” was a question I never thought I would need to ask myself just 4 weeks ago. Even my route to Fairprice had to change unexpectedly due to some red-and-white tape closing off the park connector. And I was so caught up with the changes and the distraction of work, cooking of meals and welcomed breaks of YouTube binge watching at the end of the day, that I did not realise what was happening on the inside.

Even though over the weeks, I may have felt some comfort in the Circuit Breaker measures, or the consolation from having a new daily schedule, the worries were simmering under the surface. Worries about the virus, which doesn’t get relief with each news article and infection infographics online, news about more deaths around the world, looming recession, WhatsApp messages asking for prayer and donations for the foreign workers and homeless in Singapore, knowing that some church members were risking their lives at the frontlines, others who have lost their jobs or those who are struggling with relationships and HBL at home. Not to mention personal concerns about not being near my loved ones, as well as the uncertainties and challenges of ministry while working from home.

Last Saturday, I sat down with the Church to pray, but I came with a heaviness of heart and soul. In the order of service, Rev Goh reminded us that we have an almighty God who loves us and willingly leads us through each day and each struggle, and so I dutifully lay down our petitions for the world, church and my own worries at His feet. As I took my eyes off the things that worried me and made me anxious, and put them back on Him who is still in sovereign control of this universe, a relief swept over me, a lightness of heart. Not because all the things that can worry us in this world were magically taken away, but because the reassurance that our God who saved us in Christ, is still in control. 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

I do not know what you are worrying about today, do feel free to reach out and drop me a text or email and we can pray together to our God who is near, who is with us not only in green pastures but also through the darkest valleys.

"It wasn't that the gospel proved USEFUL for my many worries but that the gospel proved the USELESSNESS of my worries." HENRI NOUWEN