Hope in Deep Waters: Resources for a Pandemic

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, in the midst of COVID-19, social distancing and shelter-at-home requirements, many of us may already be more aware of our own mental health needs than before. We begin a special weekly series on mental health by providing access to online resources. However, as always, consider reaching out to clergy or professional counselors if you feel overwhelmed.

 

Hope in Deep Waters: Resources for a Pandemic

Millenia ago, David prayed this prayer of desperation:

“Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire,
where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
and the flood sweeps over me.” (Psalm 96:1-2 ESV)

In the wake of COVID-19, many of us have cried out to God in similar fashion. We’ve found ourselves sinking as we tread the depths of uncertainty and loneliness. As we navigate these unfamiliar waters we, like David, have become intimately acquainted with anxiety, depression, grief and fear, as well as anger and frustration.

These are all normal and even expected reactions to this time of crisis and isolation. In recent weeks many of us have experienced mental health challenges. For some, this is uncharted territory, and for others, it is part of a lifelong journey of wrestling with inner struggles. But, all of us are in need of hope and encouragement in this unprecedented season.

Later in Psalm 96, David gives us a glimpse of the hope he has even in the midst of the flood as he prays, “At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” (Psalm 96:13b ESV) We too, have ultimate hope in our good, loving and sovereign God. And, during this time of increased struggles within and without, He has blessed us with numerous resources that can help us find peace and renewal, as well as address the added mental health challenges many of us are facing. Below is a collection of selected articles, media and tools that can help us navigate the deep waters.

Encouragement from AMiA Churches

Devotional and worship service videos from St. Andrew’s Church in Little Rock

Livestream daily prayers and weekly services from Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin

Weekly messages from the Abbey at Pauley’s Island

Daily vlog from All Saints Dallas

Weekly sermons from Gathering Midtown

Weekly sermons from St. Bartholomew’s

Drawing Near, daily devotionals from Grace Northridge

Other Resources

Thrive downloadable workbook and webcast and blog from The Grace Alliance

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Ministry Resources from Key Ministry

I’m Afraid. Are you? by Gregg Greg Goebel, founder of Anglican Pastor

The Hallway Through the Sea, daily meditations from the president and CEO of Christianity Today, written specifically for those struggling through the coronavirus pandemic

“Healing the Distress Caused by the COVID-19 Crisis,” a free two-hour online session designed to help those who are struggling with emotions, stress and anxiety created by the ongoing crisis in our nation and world offered by Fresh Hope for Mental Health

Fresh Hope, an online support group for those living with mental illnesses and their loved ones

REBOOT Recovery Crisis Edition, a five-part video series designed to help viewers understand, cope with and move forward from the current COVID-19 crisis or other trauma

Faith, Grief, and COVID-19, a four-part series from Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries that uses discussion guides and films to engage small groups in conversations about the challenges of this season

Prayers for This Season from Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries

Coronavirus blogs from Rooted Ministry