Do You Have COVID Fatigue?

As I was listening to the news last week, I heard an expression I had not heard before, “COVID fatigue.” It was a reference to the fact that across the nation people are getting weary of having to worry about the coronavirus, wear masks, socially distance, etc. Talking with people you get the feeling that everyone is a bit tired of Zoom meetings and Google hangouts. People are growing tired of not being able to go to a sporting event or into church or movie theater. We’ve grown weary of having to be super-self-conscious every time you pass someone in a supermarket aisle. Yes, one might say we are all getting a bit of COVID fatigue.

I understand well the reasons behind the face masks and all of the precautions we’ve had to take to stop the spread of the virus. But to be honest, right now I find myself dealing with COVID fatigue. At this point I want to discard the mask, walk freely into a mall or supermarket, or find myself in the midst of a crowd without worrying about who might be breathing in my direction.  I’m fatigued at having to wipe down shopping carts, worry that I might invade someone else’s breathing space, or think about whether or not I might unknowingly pass the virus onto someone who could potentially end up in the hospital.  And of course, I want to be able to worship in person with our congregation. Yes, like many of you, I think I’m beginning to feel COVID fatigue.

The truth is, however, long after the coronavirus is gone there are plenty of other things in life that can fatigue us as well. For some it might be a less than pleasant work environment or a somewhat toxic relationship. For others it might be a battle with a long-term illness or chronic depression.  Some people find themselves under constant financial pressure; others have been dealing for years with a wayward child. Whatever it might be, whenever we find ourselves faced with a negative situation for an extended period of time, we can find ourselves fatigued to the point that our minds, hearts, and spirits are brought very low.   

I believe the Bible gives us the answer to COVID fatigue as well as any other kind of fatigue we might experience in life. It’s as if, through the prophet Isaiah, God puts out an invitation to those who are feeling fatigued and weakened by life when he says, “He (God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  (Isaiah 40:29-31 – NIV)

The real answer to COVID fatigue—or any other kind of fatigue that life might bring our way—is not to get angry, impatient, or discouraged. Rather, it is a deep abiding trust and hope in the One who has promised to with us no matter what we face in life; to trust the One who is able to give us the strength we need to persevere through the hardest of times;  to put our hope in the One who has offered to us a future eternity in his infinite heaven.  The real answer to our fatigue is a heart that is filled with faith. 

So today, if you are feeling fatigued by the things life has brought your way—maybe even a bit of COVID fatigue— I encourage you to put your trust in God and allow him to fill you with new hope and new strength.  Let your heart be filled with faith! 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris