Finding JOY in Uncertain Times
美佳之窗 His Window 96（ Oct - Dec 2021 ）
Text by Janice Tan
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it – Psalm 118:24
It has been 21 months since the Covid-19 pandemic plagued the world, resulting in severe global social and economic disruption. We have seen supply shortages, political tensions being exacerbated, and the largest global recession since the Great Depression.
The psychological costs are high too. Stress, anxiety, fear and distress are common physiological responses in a global pandemic. Whether it is dealing with prolonged separation from family, grieving the loss of loved ones, caretaking, or losing your source of income, this period has been a challenging one for many – and admittedly, one that may be difficult to remain joyful in.
How can we find Joy when there is so much ambiguity about the future?
Commit everything in prayer with thanksgiving
Since I relocated to Hong Kong for work over a year ago, I have not been able to return due to the border restrictions. Admittedly, the prolonged separation from my loved ones back home and the uncertainties have been unsettling. Will the border restrictions be lifted? Are my
loved ones truly safe from the virus? These questions have been looming at the back of my mind. With that said, I have found many reasons to be grateful even in the midst of these uncertainties. I am grateful to be based in a city with semblances of day-to- day normalcy, where I can go out and bask in the splendour of nature, enjoy a cup of coffee with friends and go for a jog down by the river. Above all, I am grateful for the precious privilege to be alive and healthy – something I will not take for granted anymore. Recounting and actively writing down what I have to be grateful for every morning helps remind me of His goodness and puts things into perspective.
I often reflect about Paul’s letters to the Philippians. Despite the circumstances in which Paul’s letters to the Philippians were written from, Paul did not let the trials that he faced affect his joy. In fact, even though he was imprisoned, he encouraged the Philippians not to worry about anything, but to come to God in all situations with thanksgiving, and trust that He will provide peace and strength.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about things that are beyond your sphere of control
Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy – Leo Buscaglia
Feelings of worry or anxiety are normal responses to situations that may be threatening. According to Amy Morin, author of ‘13 things mentally strong people don’t do’, worrying usually stems from a desire to control the outcome. Not only does it drain your mental strength and waste your time, it also leads to detrimental beliefs of toxic self-blame. Personally, one way that has helped me combat this is to remind myself about the things that are within my sphere of control and the things that aren’t. For example, we have control over minimising the risks of infection by always wearing a mask and complying to the health SOPs, but we don’t have control over lockdown measures implemented by the government. Whenever I start to feel worry bubble within me, I ask myself: is this something within your sphere of control? If it isn’t, I take control of my train of thoughts before it spirals out of control. To process my thoughts, I put these worries down on paper and put them into two categories: Things within my control and Things beyond my sphere of control. For things that are within my control, I make an action plan to tackle it. For those that are out of my control, I try my best to let the worry go either by praying about it or talking to my trusted circle.
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances
Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘happiness’ as ‘the state of being happy.’ To interpret this broadly, happiness is often fleeting and would vary along with the peaks and troughs of life. On the other hand, the source of joy is ever-present because it is rooted in God.
In my journey of seeking Joy during this turbulent year, I have found that true Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. We can still choose to give thanks and lean into the ever-present Joy in our hearts in times of struggle. Joy is also the ability to be content that He is working all things for our good.
Undoubtedly, there may be days where we may lose sight of it, but I think that it is completely OK. Grief, pain and sadness is part and parcel of what makes us human. Nonetheless, I take comfort in the fact that He is working all things for our good and will not leave or forsake us.
Even in these times of great uncertainty,
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Janice Tan
Janice relocated to Hong Kong after completing her MBA. An optimist who strives to make the most out of everyday. Insatiably curious and passionate about personal and professional development. Can often be found hiking on a mountain or relaxing by the beach – most likely with a coffee in hand!