No one anticipated the extent of the shutdown the world experienced as the coronavirus spread. In the United States and other countries, including Australia, meetings, conferences, and church gatherings were suspended and schools went online with their classes. Many graduations, proms, camps, and other social events that had been eagerly anticipated for months and even years were also cancelled.

With the adoption of the social distancing rules and the instruction to leave home only if necessary many began to struggle with feelings of depression and isolation, and everyone was worried there was no definitive end to it all, resulting in some battling feelings of being personally robbed or deprived.

Fortunately, there are many other ways we can stay connected to friends, family and God during these strange times.

First of all, we should start by making sure we are staying connected to God and then reach out to others.

Putting God first

Step One: Set goals and write them down

You are far more likely to complete your goals if you write it down and put them in a place where you can be reminded every day. A constant reminder (such as a reminder to pray and study your Bible) can really help you strengthen your relationship with God.

A prayer journal can help organize your thoughts and ideas when talking to God, and also remind you how God has helped in the past.

Step Three: Make a plan to read your Bible

Creating a schedule for reading God’s Word can be incredibly encouraging in a time when we can’t physically meet together. You can also try coordinating with friends to go through the Bible together.

Staying connected to friends and family

1. Write letters or emails to reach out to others

Most people don’t receive many handwritten letters anymore, so receiving one would be a pleasant surprise and possibly a keepsake. But a friendly email is now the more popular method of staying in touch and can make a big difference to someone feeling the effects of isolation.

2. Schedule a group video chat

While lots of people video chat with one or two people, have you ever tried to video chat with a large group of people? This can really help recreate the experience of standing in a circle at church or school and talking with your friends.

3. Reach by phone to friends and acquaintances

A simple phone call can really mean a lot to someone, and even if you can’t physically be there, reaching out by phone can be a great way to show you care.

If this trial has taught us anything, it’s that life’s circumstances can change in an instant, not just for each of us individually, but for the whole world. Staying connected with God and our friends and family enables us to support each other.