The Weekly Encourager – March 26, 2020 – Anxiety, Aggravation, or Acclamation?

How are you coping? The COVID-19 is spreading, and many of us are either on lockdown, or encouraged to self-quarantine for an indefinite period. The BBC said last night that one quarter of the world’s population is on lockdown right now! Mind blown.

Most of the people I’ve interacted with seem to fall into two categories: anxiety or aggravation. The anxious people are feeling an increased fear of the unknown. Will they or their loved ones get the virus? Will there be enough food and necessities available for everyone? Will healthcare systems be able to cope with all the new cases? Will small businesses go under, now that most places are closed? How will we provide for those who have lost their jobs? Will our children be left behind now that schools are closed? Etc.

The aggravated people are feeling more anger than worry. Depending on their point of view, they are aggravated by naysayers or doomsayers. The government response is too slow or too fast, too big or too small. Companies are not manufacturing or making masks available for healthcare workers, while individuals are hoarding toilet paper. People are selfish; people are ridiculous. There are too many activities and events being cancelled and businesses being closed. Etc.

Isolation can put stress on both groups. We may be too far away from some people (those we miss seeing on a regular basis at work, school, the gym) and too close to others (strained marriages, teenage angst, toddler trouble, roommate conflict). In addition, some are feeling what’s called “anticipatory grief.” Anticipatory grief is grief that occurs before death or another great loss. Rather than death alone, this type of grief includes other losses, such as the loss of a companion, changing roles in the family, fear of financial changes, and the loss of dreams of what could be. Will an upcoming wedding have to be postponed until we can meet with people in public again? How long must we wait to hold a funeral for a deceased loved one? Will we be able to go on that special trip or attend that important reunion?

Whether we tend more toward anxiety or aggravation, worry or anger, crying or criticism, this new crisis is a test of our faith. Will we realize that we’re not in control? Will we trust in God, no matter what happens, truly believing that He works all things for our good and His glory? Will we acknowledge His absolute sovereignty over not just our own lives, but everything on earth and in heaven? I’ve been reading Revelation and it’s so encouraging! The overall theme I see is this: Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Crown Him with many crowns!

People have offered wonderful suggestions on what to do during this stressful time. We all need to maintain constructive disciplines such as daily devotional time, regular exercise, eating healthy food, etc. We all need to look for ways to be compassionate and to help those around us. We need to pray for those who are struggling, and share the gospel where appropriate. Humor helps. But I submit that the most important thing we need to do right now is to give our Lord the honor and praise He is due. Google’s dictionary says that acclamation is “loud and enthusiastic approval, typically to welcome or honor someone or something.” “Loud and enthusiastic” sounds like “shouting” to me. It’s certainly not anxious or aggravated. It’s secure and happy. The heart that truly trusts in the Lord will overflow with praise and thanksgiving to our great God, no matter what the outward circumstances. Acclamation despite appearances.

“Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created.” - Revelation 4:11 NASB

“Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!” - Psalm 98:4 NLT

God is faithful,
j