1 Peter 5:5-7
2 Timothy 2:1-2
2 Corinthians 12:1-9
John 1:14
Acts 4:33
Matthew 5:3-11
Luke 14:7-11
Isaiah 66:1-2
MedicalNewsToday.com
Title: “Covid-19 anxiety syndrome: A pandemic phenomenon.”
“As lockdowns and restrictions ease in various locations, some people find it extremely challenging to reacclimate to ‘normal’ life. As the pandemic recedes, some consider this phenomenon as the next emerging mental health crisis. Symptoms of this syndrome mimic those of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And, the pandemic and related factors appear to be the cause.
Statistics recorded by the CDC between June24-30, 2020, show that around 40% of adults in the USA reported at least one adverse mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. This syndrome manifests as the inability to leave the house because of Covid-19 fears, frequent checking for symptoms despite not being in a high-risk scenario, and avoiding social situations or people.”
Chuck Swindoll in his commentary writes:
“Our society has gorged on the pursuit of success. Upward mobility, getting ahead, snagging that promotion – only one direction will do; up…up…..UP! We’ve stuffed ourselves with money-making schemes and binged on books and seminars teaching us how to make ourselves great. In fact, not long ago our gluttony for financial success inflated an economy until it explodes. But not to worry! We’ll just pick up the pieces and start all over again.
The world tells us that to be satisfied we need FORTUNE; Make a lot of money – in fact, make a boatload of money! Society persuades us that to be significant we need FAME; be well-known and well-connected. The culture tries to convince us that to have true success we need INFLUENCE; wield power, be in control, and don’t take orders – GIVE THEM!
And if this ‘big-three’ of success doesn’t do it, then the real secret lies in INDULGENCE; fulfilling your wants, desires, and pleasures. The world’s methods of achieving these things isn’t difficult. WORK HARD, or at least harder than everybody else. PUSH AHEAD, even if it means stepping on others. REMOVE ALL OBSTACLES, such as friends, family, and faith. And PROMOTE YOURSELF even if it means exaggerating ab it or trashing somebody else!
The great irony of all this is that the more success we have, the more we want. History, experience, religion, psychology, and sociology have all taught us that such purposeless pursuits can never ultimately quench our thirst for true meaning or relive our hunger for true happiness. Instead of fulfillment, we experience the bloated nausea of disappointment. In the end the all-you-can-eat lifestyle leaves us weighed down in our spirit, nauseated with worry, and let down by life.
In an age like ours, the countercultural message of humility is neither popular nor appreciated. At a time when looking good is considered more important than being good, and when superficial impression makes a bigger splash than solid integrity, who has time for things like submission, dependence, and trust? In our dog-eat-dog, cut-in-line-lifestyle, deferring to other s looks stupid and sounds silly. In contrast to the world’s narcissistic plan for success, Peter outlines in 1 Peter 5:5-7 the essential ingredients for relief.”