Peace in a Pandemic: 4 ways to develop a healthy rhythm
This is a challenging season.
Every day, the news changes and sometimes, it feels like it just keeps getting worse. As believers, it is important to remember that God can redeem this time. It is important to remember that we can choose to trust God when life feels uncertain.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
So how do we do this? One way is to discipline ourselves to rely on his goodness and faithfulness daily, but in order to do so, it’s important to develop a routine that pours into your spiritual, mental and emotional health.
Develop a Daily or Weekly Routine
Does your daily or weekly schedule include cultivating spiritual, mental, and emotional health? If not, check out Burnout Exposed, the first sermon in our Fatigue series where we dive in to the 4 buckets of Energy.
This takes intentionality and consistency, but once you start, expect God to meet you there.
Set Specific Goals
Think about spiritual, financial, physical, and relational goals that you can achieve as an individual, but that you can also achieve as a family.
Stay Connected
Be intentional about keeping close family and friends updated on how you and your family are doing through FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or an old-fashioned phone call. Again, the focus is on how you are doing, not just what you are doing.
Read a book
Reading has been proven to have health benefits. From fighting Alzheimer’s to improving your sleep at night, reading a book can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul when stuck inside. Rather listen to the audio? Sign up for Hoopla and provide your library card info to check out up to 5 audio books for free.
Vision Church Recommended Reading:
Apologetics
Urban Apologetics by Christopher Brooks
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
Making Sense of God by Tim Keller
The Reason for God by Tim Keller
Biographies
Renewal: Grace and Redemption in the Story of Ruth by Jerome Gay Jr.
The African Memory of Mark by Thomas Oden
Collection of free biographies from Desiring God
George Mueller by Roger Steer
Give Me This Mountain by Helen Roseveare
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secrets by Dr. Howard Taylor
Servant on the Edge of History by Sam James
Seven Women by Eric Metaxas
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
To the Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson
Church and Community
Woke Church by Dr. Eric Mason
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
Evangelism and Discipleship
Discipleship Defined by Eric Russ
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt
Finances and Money
God and Money by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer
The Money Challenge by Art Rainer
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Gospel and Work
Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller
The Gospel at Work by Sebastian Traeger
Knowing God and the Gospel
Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
The Cross-centered Life by C.J. Mahaney
Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves
Gospel by J.D. Greear
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
Leadership
Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Lorritts
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Missions
Gaining by Losing by J.D. Greear
Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper
Radical by David Platt
Productivity
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
Prayer
Prayer by John Onwuchekwa
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Prayer by Tim Keller
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Racial Reconciliation
Oneness Embraced by Tony Evans
United by Trillia Newbell
Scripture
Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks
Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung
Spiritual Disciplines
Habits of Grace by David Mathis
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Suffering
A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada
Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller
Technology
12 Ways your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
The Tech-wise Family by Andy Crouch
Additional Reading
What is a Healthy Church Member