“Sheltering-in” became the “new normal” almost a month ago. Daily, our lives are affected by the restrictions placed upon us by the local and federal government. Mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue is etched on the faces of thousands from government leaders to newly appointed home-school parents (I recently read that a mother new to homeschooling said she would never again vote “no” on a school bond issue!”). This Pandemic challenges us to pose the question, “Do I have the techniques to combat mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue?”
The prophet Elijah provides a model of how to deal with fatigue. He emerged from his experience at Mount Carmel a victor—the 450 false prophets of Baal were destroyed, and the calamity of drought and famine brought about by idol worship ended (1 Kings 18:18-46). However, Jezebel did not share Elijah’s enthusiasm over the victory—in fact, she was very angry (1 Kings 19:1-2)!
Instead of surrendering, as Elijah expected, she issued an ultimatum to him, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time” (1 Kings 19:3). Elijah’s response is similar to that of many Christians—they observe God perform repeated miracles in their lives then a bit of turbulence occurs and the downward spiral of mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue sets in.
Intervention techniques for his downward spiral needed to be applied to reverse Elijah’s reaction. Today, we have the same privilege of using his techniques to combat the mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue generated by COVID-19:
Resting and relaxing—too many times when mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue sets in we increase our activity rather than reducing it (1 Kings 19:5-9).
Seeking solitude to focus on communion with God (1 Kings 19:9-13).
Using the Word of God as a weapon to fight the source of mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue, Satan (Eph. 6:17). Acquiring God's truth and promises during times of refreshment enables us to engage confidently in battle; for example, Pss. 33, 42, 43, and 71 teach us the hope we are to have in God. I encourage you to study these verses along with Lam. 3:21-23, 1 Peter 1:13-21, and Rom. 8:18-39 to enhance your spiritual techniques.
Realizing that refreshment comes through resuming activity since it allows us to focus our vision outward rather than “soaking and souring.” Balancing the quantity of time invested and the intensity of the activity ensures that the mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue does not recur (1 Kings 19:15-18).
Allowing friends to minister to us (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-18)—at a distance of 6 feet, with clean hands, and wearing masks, of course J. Elijah and Elisha possessed an unusual relationship—one in mind and purpose to serve Jehovah God. They built many memories together because Elisha willingly ministered to Elijah, offering encouragement and affirmation. Will you choose to be an Elisha is someone’s life during this Pandemic?
As you consider Elijah’s life, do you allow mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue to overwhelm you or do you embrace contentment when faced with challenging circumstances? Remember that godliness accompanied with contentment is great gain (Psalm 37:16; 1 Timothy 6:6) while despair plus discouragement equals mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue! Kelsey’s Korner offers timely techniques to deal with mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue.
KELSEY’S KORNER
I’m an introvert, and when life is hectic and busy, I find myself longing for Friday nights. For me, the ideal Friday night includes relaxing at home with a light-hearted movie, tasty food, and some close company—what more could I ask for?!
Two months ago I would have swooned over the idea of a shelter-in-place order; being forced to stay at home and relax? Sign me up! Yet less than one week into the order due to the COVID-19 Pandemic I began going crazy from isolation and boredom. I felt constantly exhausted, physically and emotionally, yet had no motivation to do anything. “Wash my hair? Who cares! It’s not like anyone is going to see me. Do the dishes? Why? They’ll be there tomorrow, and sadly, so will I!” In just days, I had morphed from a responsible, productive citizen to a lazy ball of self-pity.
As believers, this cannot be! Slothfulness is in complete opposition to our created character. Believe it or not, God created work before the Fall and created man to enjoy it. Like healthy eating, work can appear dull and sometimes unappealing, but the benefits keep us coming back for more. Hard work allows us to feel accomplished and useful, it helps reduce stress, and it allows our times of God-given rest to be extra rewarding.
Ephesians 5 sheds additional light on why we must avoid slothfulness. After 4 chapters of dense theology, the fifth chapter begins to apply the teachings to everyday life, encouraging believers to “Look carefully how (they) walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (vv. 15-16). Our time on this earth is limited and full of opportunities to either walk in wisdom or in sin, so how should we choose to spend our time? I would like to encourage you to not see this stay-at-home order as an excuse to fill the days with Netflix and meaninglessness. Instead, let’s purpose to work heartily as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23-24).
Here are some techniques to help us overcome emotional/physical fatigue and to allow us to use our time well:
Go to bed and wake up at a normal, decent hour. A little extra rest is absolutely fine! But try to stay on a normal sleep schedule as much as possible.
Get ready in the mornings. Although I still typically wear sweatpants every day, I shower, I brush my teeth, and sometimes I even put on a little make-up! Why? We tend to feel better when we’re put together.
Read your Bible and pray. This should be the foundation of your day and two tasks you can guiltlessly give extra time to! Our power and strength come through the Holy Spirit, fed by the Word of God.
Get exercise. When you’re bored and tired, exercise never sounds all that fun. But if I make myself just do it, not only do I enjoy the exercise, but I feel great afterwards and even sleep better! Go on a walk or run outside or maybe even break out a fitness class on YouTube.
Make a plan for your day. If you have the time, try to include:
A ministry task—write someone a letter or attempt to make masks to donate to hospitals—be creative!
Time to catch up with someone. There are so many people right now that are lonely and possibly even struggling with depression. Take some time to call or text someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
Keeping up with the normal chores. As Dr. Ennis always puts it, the floors don’t vacuum themselves! Continuing your normal chores allows you and your family to enjoy being quarantined in a clean home.
A project you’ve been putting off such as that cluttered paperwork or those gutters that need cleaning!
Quality time with those you may live with. Whether you have 5 children or just a pet lizard, if you live with someone or something, don’t forget to show them how much you care for them. Try joining in activities that they would like to do!
Something fun. Bake something or do a craft! I just started a compost bin and have enjoyed researching and adding things to it.
Some of you may be exceedingly tired due to extra work hours, illness, age, grief, or medical conditions. If you find yourself in that category, remember to give yourself extra grace, just doing what you can. For all of us, our ultimate goal is not personal perfection but to honor God with all of our efforts.
See our posts on Spiritual Immunity and COVID-19 for additional thoughts relating to this topic.
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out it roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8)
Therefore, I may boldly say, though the days are challenging, I can trust my heavenly Father to provide the stamina I need to bear fruit for Him.
Blessings on your day as you focus on making your house a home!