The COVID-19 pandemic is causing suffering throughout most of the world. Many of the events that are currently happening, as a result of this pandemic, are unprecedented. Business owners have seen their life's work seemingly evaporate in an instant. Others have been laid off. Many of the rest of us are struggling with fear. Our mental health has been challenged as well because our routines that provided coping mechanisms have been interrupted. This got me thinking about what to do when you are so overwhelmed that you don't know what to do.

Some time ago my wife shared advice with me that I have since shared with several others. She said, "When you don't know what to do, do the next right thing." When we are overwhelmed by fear, we start to think about what might happen. Some people go into contingency overdrive to the point they panic. By taking a small step in the right direction, we regain control of a small area in our lives and begin to reduce our focus on the things out of our control.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.” I John 4:18

The next right thing does not need to be a huge step. It can be as small as calling a friend to admit your need for encouragement or spending time with family. If you believe in God, you can pray, read your Bible, and thank God for what you do have. I also am a big proponent of exercise especially when I can get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Another suggestion is to help the people that Pastor Brett Fuller has described as the helpless. These are the people that if you compare yourself to them, you need help less than they do.

Do you know somebody who has lost their business or been laid off? Share this article with them or better yet, give them a call an encourage them to do the next right thing.