44: Coping with Dismay

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:16

LAST WEEK I WAS LISTENING to a radio announcer who was trying to figure out why he was feeling down emotionally during the coronavirus pandemic when he’s normally a positive person.

I believe many people, including this radio announcer, experienced grief and struggled with trauma, isolation, or loss during this difficult time. Being isolated can escalate what we’re feeling. Grief can even lead to depression.

Here are some ideas on coping with dismay:

Give yourself permission to grieve. We are relational beings with emotions by God’s design. It’s very natural to feel grief. And while you need to give yourself permission to grieve, it’s also important that you don’t stay there.

Know that you aren’t alone. God is your Grand Designer. He knows and understands you. This is one of the reasons He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us, to equip us, to speak to us, and to encourage us. In Romans 8:26-28 we read that the Holy Spirit prays for us. The word intercedes is the Greek word hyperentunchanō. It means “to fall into with.” It gives the picture of the Spirit falling into our situation, sharing with us in this experience, and then bringing us freedom and peace —to move on our behalf, to bring relief. It’s the Holy Spirit saying, “I am here with you. We are going to press forward together. You are not alone.” What a great encouragement! He will not stop; He will not give up on you.

Remember that God is in control. I recently received an e-mail from Dr. Darrell Johnson, a pastor, professor, and author. He stated that during times when we feel out of control, God is working out His good purposes. One of God’s purposes is helping us realize just how vulnerable we are in a broken world. This world is not what He intended it to be. It’s broken, and we so need Him.

If you’re struggling with dismay, may you be comforted by the words of 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Questions

  1. What causes you dismay? Write out the situations and how they affect you.
  2. In what ways does God’s presence bring you comfort? What specific truths from Scripture bring you peace?
  3. Who do you rely on to bring you hope and wise perspective? How can you bring hope and wise perspective to others?
  4. What do you need to do to move through the grief that you may now be experiencing?
  5. We live in a broken world. Who are you interceding for? You may wish to keep this confidential; however, consider what a tremendous encouragement it would be if that person knew.