This devotional was written by Vicky Daub.  Vicky leads Bethany’s Operation One Nation team.

Ecclesiastes 3
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 5 a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Like many of you, I started “social distancing” a couple of weeks ago. I am one who needs structure, routines, and “things to do”. Even though I have been retired since June 2011, my calendar is always full of meetings and activities. Until two weeks ago. Suddenly, unexpectedly, my calendar was empty.

In unknown times like these, both my depression and anxiety show their ugly heads. The other day, my husband Larry suggested that we get our bikes out and tune them up. You see, Larry and I are Mental Health First Aid instructors. Larry knew that getting outside and riding bikes would help both my depression and anxiety. Bless him for suggesting this!

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Since then, I have been doing lots of other things that have helped me manage my Mental Health disorders. These have included reading, knitting, and teaching Larry to play Cribbage. Recently, I read an online suggestion about wearing “real” clothes, even when “social distancing”. I am now saving my leggings and sweatshirts for the evening!

What I am most grateful for, though, is the effort that our Bethany pastoral leaders have made to provide online worship and online meetings for all of us. It was amazing this past Sunday to interact with folks that I usually see in the Fellowship Hall via Zoom.

To close, I share these beautiful words from Philippians that have provided comfort and peace for me this past couple of weeks. 

Philippians 4: 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Dear Jesus, when I feel isolated and overwhelmed, wondering when things will “be normal” again, calm me. When I am lonely, help me to reach out and find You in the voice and face of a friend, even if it is only through Zoom. Give me patience, knowing that you have this and all things under control. Thanks for loving and always being beside me. Amen.