Covid challenges our source of well-being

According to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics on the social impacts of Covid-19, the vast majority of us are keeping the lockdown rules but many are unhappy and anxious. We are not immune from these feelings as Christians, but this does also present a massive opportunity to bring gospel hope.

The report shows a high degree of compliance with recent tightened restrictions such as wearing face coverings, household isolation and social distancing. But along with that there is a rise in those saying they are experiencing anxiety, which is back at levels last seen in April 2020.

All the indicators of well-being have pretty much been below pre-pandemic levels for the past year and the most recent trends as 2021 begins suggest that we are suffering even more with boredom, loneliness, anxiety and stress. We are less satisfied, less happy and more anxious than before Christmas.

Some hope is being expressed with the vaccine being rolled out, but only a quarter of us think life will return to ‘normal’ within six months; a quarter believe it could take over a year.

We need to recognise the real struggles people have and show compassion and care for those who are feeling anxious and worthless. We know that, as humans made in the image of God, we are created to work and also to be relational, so having those things taken from us is a real challenge.

How does the comfort of knowing Jesus speak into this crisis? Only he will be with us in the worst and the best days, isolated or crowded, anxious or optimistic; only he can bring the satisfaction that outward circumstances cannot steal from us; only he provides salvation and a return to the real ‘normal’ that we ache for – a relationship with God.

As Christians we need to see this as an opportunity to serve, but also to face questions about our own sense of well-being. As we examine our own hearts, we know that sometimes, even as Christians, we too trust in our relationships, good health and a sense of being in control of events. Yes, we do miss the things that currently have been taken away from us, and there will be days when life does seem rather monotonous and worthless. But we know for sure that life does have meaning and purpose and that Christ is still with us.

Through these trials we want to learn ‘the secret of being content in any and every situation… whether living in plenty or in want’ because we know we can ‘do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians chapter 4).

So, we press on with this hope in our hearts and on our lips.

Graham Nicholls is Director of Affinity