“Apathy is the acceptance of the unacceptable.”
John Stott
Apathy is one of the effects I have experienced because of the two-year pandemic. During this time, numerous little losses have been simmering on the back burner of my heart. It hasn’t been the blatant, in-your-face type of loss; just loss that is back there, slowly festering over time. For months, the cumulative disappointments have built up. And like normal grief, my thoughts became clouded with brain fog setting in, overtaking my outlook in life, and with that more frequent release of tears.
My outlook on life became less joyful and hopeful. For those who know me, that is not like me! Positivity is one of my top five strengths and typically I find the silver lining in difficult situations. Without realizing what was happening, little by little I gave up more of my hope, letting go of the Pollyanna part of me. As a result, I became more apathetic with life, having less passion and concern.
The process of becoming apathetic reminds me of the boiling frog syndrome. It does not happen immediately, but it is gradual and subtle, where you don’t notice it until it has a big effect on you. Like a frog in a pot of boiling water, I lost some of my hope and a lot of God’s perspective. I began to experience Proverbs 13:12: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
I cried out to the Holy Spirit, “Pull me out of this pit. Let me see You as my shining light. Rescue me. Be my Savior once again. Help me to see more clearly. Open my eyes to Your truth and heal my heart. Teach me what You want me to learn.” Gradually the Lord lifted me out of my despair, and He replaced my apathy with more of a zest for life. The Lord restored my focus and gave me clarity of mind, energy, and interest in life.
If you find yourself encountering apathy, seek the Lord for His comfort as you grieve your loss. Pour out your heart to the Holy Spirit asking for His guidance and healing power of restoration. Tell Him you want to see things from His point of view. And even in this, give Him thanks.
“A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.”
Peter Marshall
Relevant Reflections:
In what ways have you come up against apathy and loss as a result of the pandemic?
How did God rescue you?
Comments