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Coronavirus, Christian Mindfulness, and Meditation

Coronavirus, Christian Mindfulness, and Meditation

Last updated on: June 22, 2020 at 2:11 pm by Adrian Warnock

Coronavirus, Christian Mindfulness, and Meditation 2020-06-22T14:11:20+01:00 Adrian Warnock

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Are you anxious about Coronovirus? Or are there other things weighing you down? Are you looking for new ways to cope with the stress of ordinary life? Perhaps you are somehow bumbling along just about managing but underneath you know your rushing around and over-extended lifestyle is ultimately unsustainable. Are you getting close to burnout?

For many people either their own situation or an international concern like the current epidemic suddenly punctures their sense of safety and security. Is anybody really as safe as we like to imagine we are? Actually according to the Bible having our eyes open to how short our lives are is the route to wisdom.We are like the grass that quickly withers away (1 Peter 1:24-25). Since in ordinary times we never think about our own impending death perhaps that is one reason why wisdom is in such short supply today.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭90:12,‬ ‭NIV)

People who have faced their mortality due to a life-threatening diagnosis often feel rather alone. Our Western culture spends most of the time trying to forget our frailty, and pretending that we will live if not for ever at least for a very long time. Suddenly with the rate the coronavirus is spreading many healthy people are experiencing health anxiety. We don’t know whether this global pandemic will as some point fizzle out or if we are dealing with a major event that will go down in history like some sort of modern plague.

For some of us whether it is simply the day to day worries of work or family life, or a significant season of personal suffering, or indeed a national or international crisis we allow ourselves to become burdened. We try and solve all the problems we see. We try to be a saviour. Essentially we are trying to be God. You are not as much of an expert as you think you are. I too am certainly not a font of knowledge or wisdom. Truth is there is much that we need to somehow learn to butt our noses out of and leave to those who’s job it is to think about such high matters.

This constant sense of agitation which last year was all about Brexit for us Brits, and this year for the world seems to be largely about Coronavirus has many of us trying to carry burdens we are simply not designed to carry.

It is natural to be anxious at times and it is not a sin. But we are encouraged to cast our burdens onto Jesus who cares for us. We might have to do that several times a day.

Christian Mindfulness and meditation is one tool we can use to learn to still our minds and focus on the presence of Jesus, learning to trust him.

I have recorded a video conversation with Richard Johnston the founder of ChristianMindfulness.co.uk today in which we discuss these matters. I hope you will enjoy it.

Are you anxious about Coronavirus? Want to do a digital detox? Struggling with poor health, anxiety or depression? Or are you just stuck in the rat race? What is all the fuss about mindfulness and meditation? Can it be Christian? Watch a new web interview with Rich Johnston of Christian Mindfulness. You can read the transcript, or listen as a podcast on your favourite platform or watch on YouTube.

Podcast Version

Psalm 131, ESV

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
    my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.

Learn More

Videos from ChristianMindfulness.co.uk
Richard’s Blog
Is this your greatest ever trial?
- Hugely timely and encouraging sermon by R.T. Kendall preached March 8 2020 in London.

Keep Walking with Jesus
- Life is a marathon not a sprint. In fact we should probably characterise it as walking…

Be still and know – a meditation track
- God wants you to stop and listen to him
Slow Down to Meet God
- In our fast-paced world, where every second is filled by something, is it any wonder we don’t have time to hear the voice of God?

Weeping is Encouraged
- Weeping is actually a command of Jesus, at least in some situations. Not only does…
Trust Him and Pray
- Trust Him and Pray. Even when you don’t feel like it…
Thinking, thanking, and loving
- Doctrine can be life-saving. As we think about the Truth it leads to thankfulness …
Hope in Suffering
- I would like to take you on something of a journey that often feels lonely,…
“Pray Always” – Jesus
- Sometimes we don’t pray because we don’t feel in need. Other times we don’t pray…
Jesus commands: Pray Like This
- Prayer is not merely an invitation it is a command. Jesus does not merely suggest…
Already AND Not Yet: Expecting God’s Blessing
- “Come to Jesus and all your problems will immediately disappear,” said no Evangelist ever, or at least I hope not …

Coming soon (God willing) : the rest of the series “Jesus Commands”

Jesus said that if you obey him your life will be established on a firm foundation when the storms come.

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