John Piper had cancer 15 years ago, and wrote this classic piece: Don't Waste Your Cancer.
It was reprinted in a magazine I just read, and I was blown away by how relevant it is right now.
Just replace "your cancer" with "this pandemic," to learn many important lessons about God's providence in your life.
There are 5 stages of grief psychologists observe we tend to go through when loved ones die or a traumatic tragedy hits us. The Simpsons gives them to you humorously here in 20 seconds. They aren't necessarily taught in the Bible, but I think the "book of nature" sees a real truth in us by common grace here.
I think I've observed these stages in our country, responding to the coronavirus. First we didn't think it was a big deal - just the flu (denial). Then we focused on blaming China or Trump, depending on your politics (anger). Then we told ourselves if we just did lockdown for a little while it'd be fine (bargaining). Now Trump has called for lockdown until April 30, which I think puts most of us on to the 4th stage - depression or fear. Watch for this in yourself, your family members, and for increased hysterics in media talking heads that we CAN'T SURVIVE THIS FOR THAT LONG!!! I've already had one conversation this morning with a colleague who registered his deepening concern for his personal finances.
I'm not an expert on these stages, but the point is to know yourself better, so you can better handle your emotions and move more smoothly and quickly to the final stage of acceptance.
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