Feel Lonely? This Tip Can Help | COVID-19

Today our world is facing a threat we have never experienced before. 

The unknown is causing some to be riddled with fear. Others are indifferent. Please do not fear COVID-19. Fear that triggers us will open the door to the enemy of our soul, giving him permission to harass and torment us. 

We need to take precautions and prepare. The Lord calls us to be wise as serpents. If you’ve ever watched a snake, you will know they are never impetuous. They size up a situation and when they move – it is with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and speed. 

Rather than retreating to social media and endless scrolling – let us seize the day. Today is a gift from the Lord. Let us use it wisely.

Social distancing has been legislated for us. We are to engage in self-distancing but we need to be kind to ourselves – for this is a way we have never walked before. Studies reveal self-distancing can be harmful for your health. So we need to be pro-active. And wise! 

I have a strong antidote for social isolation, for loneliness, for fear, and even for when you are going crazy with little ones running underfoot. 

Open your mouth and sing. 

That’s right! Sing! 

When you sing – your focus turns away from you; it turns from what you fear, from your sense of helplessness and isolation. 

As a girl, when I needed to go outside to do chores and was feeling tense and deep loneliness, I would sing, “The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.” 

As an adolescent, at night time when I was especially worried or overwhelmed with isolation, I would go outside. Flame our collie was my companion. I’d walk away from the house talking to her, and then I would sing at the top of my lungs to the stars. I felt comforted as I sang and sensed I wasn’t totally alone. When I returned indoors, it was with a sense of release and relief. Jesus understood my pain and loneliness; somehow He would help me survive.

I had no idea talking to Flame was good for my nervous system or that singing was causing my diaphragm to release, allowing me to breath deeper. Feeling accepted and loved by a dog and singing relaxed me, releasing the tension and toxicity flowing through my body. Intuitively, I was engaging in self-care; my negative emotions and feelings of isolation lessened and became less overwhelming. I walked outside with my head low but I returned to the house with a lighter step and a lighter heart for the very act of singing to the stars, believing Jesus was listening.

Studies have since been done that reveal singing is good for your health. “When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape.” 

Research reveals singing calms your nerves and increases the levels of endorphins; thus singing makes you feel better.

The University of Frankfurt found singing boosts your immune system. While listening lowers your cortisol levels, when you sing, especially when you are part of a choir, it increases protein levels that function as antibodies within the immune system. 

If you drive a lot – make sure to sing. It prevents road rage, reduces your levels of stress and helps you feel better. Besides boosting your mood by releasing endorphins and serotonin, as you sing along with the radio, it triggers your brain to produce oxytocin – the love hormone – which is very good for your brain!

During this time of social distancing, loneliness is a growing issue. From day to day all the rules are in flux; life no longer looks or feels normal. Loneliness and feelings of helplessness will increase unless you take action. 

Snakes evaluate their environment and take specific measures so they thrive. Let’s choose to be wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove. 

We face threats we’ve never experienced before. Fear of the unknown is real. Loneliness is real. Both fear and loneliness kill our joy and our hope.

Self-care is an act of wisdom. Choose to be proactive regarding what you personally have power over. Like choosing to strengthen your immunity and to guard your heart and your mind.

I want to invite you to join me in a song challenge. A simple act of self-care is to open your mouth and sing. Choose a song you will sing over the next seven days. Sing daily. Sing whenever you feel lonely, discouraged, frightened, or even angry. It will help release toxins flooding your body and will calm your heart.

The best singing is to sing praise to our Lord Jesus. He is worthy of praise.

Sing! 

Did you know there are over 400 references to singing in Scripture and 50 commands to sing? David wrote many songs. Prophets and priests taught songs to Israel. Songs were used as part of their battle plan to overcome their enemies.

Singing is a will choice. You don’t have to feel good to sing. In fact, it’s a wonderful solution when you don’t feel like singing–to make that choice to sing. Turn on some music and sing along. It is good for your health. It is good for your brain and will enable you to think with clarity. 

Do you know someone who is sheltering place? Brighten their day. Pick up your phone and invite them to sing along with you. It will help you both feel connected and encouraged.

When you sing – it is an act of obedience that pleasures the Lord:

• It opens the door to the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you
• It causes your spirit to resonate with God’s Spirit
• Singing encourages you and others
• Singing helps you learn
• Singing breaks down the power of darkness – and paves the way to victory
• Singing reduces loneliness, fear, and isolation

You and I have never gone this way before. Let us lift our hearts and our voices and sing – beginning with Don Moen’s song:

God will make a way where there seems to be no way,                               He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me. 

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way

God will make a way through COVID-19. He is the Waymaker.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.

For I am the LORD your God. Isaiah 43:1-3

The Lord knows your name. He is always with you. Let Him lead you through the wilderness of loneliness and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even when you are isolated and alone, He is ever with you. Claim that truth as your reality and open your mouth and sing thanks to Him. 

Remember! Jesus is the LORD who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters. He is also able to calm the storms of loneliness and fear in your heart.

Do write me what song you are choosing to walk with.