Living in Hong Kong recently has not been easy. The coronavirus has brought an additional sense of emotional, spiritual and physical tension. If you’re feeling stressed at this time, you’re not alone. However, in God and in one another, we can find support and strength. As we navigate through these uncertain times, here are two ways we find stability.

First, keep hold of your hope. The coronavirus is a strong reminder that we’re not sovereign. As much as we try to take control of our circumstances, our health, and our schedules, something like this comes along and demolishes our pretences. Being reminded about the reality of our fragile condition is unsettling. We easily lose our equilibrium because we’ve attached our hope and security to our circumstances which change rather than to our God who is unchangeable.

The psalmist knew this experience. So he spoke to himself saying, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God” (Psalm 42:5). We also need this reminder. Keep hold of your hope in God. Rather than being downcast, look to his sufficiency and goodness.

Second, keep hold of your habits. The coronavirus has affected so much of how we do life. Work routines have changed, schools have been suspended, and we’re much more wary about being around people. Given the threat of the virus, many of these temporary measures are necessary. However, amidst your changing routines, consider how you can keep hold of your spiritual habits, because sometimes these are the first things which fall away. 

Many of these spiritual habits happen in the context of a spiritual community. If you cannot come to church or to growth groups, consider how you can keep your spiritual habits going. How can you intentionally continue to meet with God’s people, give to God’s work, and serve using what God’s given you? We need the regular practices of turning our eyes to God so that we don’t lose hold of him.