The circuit breaker has presented all sorts of unique challenges like being unable to go on dates, difficult family situations and loneliness.

To hear it would been extended for another four weeks was disappointing news for many. Others might have even felt that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. 

I want to talk about hope for a change, for I realised hope often begins with gratitude.

Rather than unproductively complaining about what I’m lacking or missing out on, I chose to count my blessings.

In doing so, I found there was much I could still be grateful for!

1. Health

The COVID-19 situation has shown us not to take our health for granted. With over 14,000 confirmed cases in Singapore and the death toll continuing to rise around the world, let’s not taken for granted the good health we still have.

Treasure the health of our neighbours as well: let’s do our best to keep those around us healthy and safe by cooperating and playing our part in the circuit breaker.

2. Privileges

The fact that some of us are able to continue working or learning from home is a privilege we often take for granted.

We can be grateful for the access to technology that allows us to earn an income, receive an education and attend church from the safety and comfort of our own homes.  

These aren’t the only privileges we have. The government has also given us access to free masks, financial help and benefits that many around the world don’t receive.

Our grocery shelves remain well-stocked and deliveries are made island-wide.

This isn’t the norm for every country; we are truly fortunate. So let’s be grateful for the privileges we still enjoy – others in similar “circuit breakers” may not have such benefits. 

3. Solitude

It’s hard not being able to see our extended family, friends and other loved ones during this time.

But instead of seeing this season merely as a time of loneliness and isolation, we can choose to be grateful for the silence and solitude it brings.

Rarely are we presented with such uninterrupted time for ourselves. 

This is an opportunity to rest, restart and reflect.

Not only is this an opportunity to be creative and try new things like cooking and exercise, it is also an opportunity to rest, restart and reflect.

Just as Jesus withdrew from the crowd to pray (Luke 5:16), let us gratefully use this time to withdraw from all distractions and retreat into God’s presence. 

Let us accept Jesus’ invitation to go to a quiet place with Him, to be by ourselves and receive from the Lord (Mark 6:31). 

4. Unity

Though this is a period of physical separation, Singaporeans have been rallying together to encourage and support one another through this tough time.

We’ve had humbling lessons on how to appreciate the efforts of workers we’ve often overlooked and even mistreated such as our migrant workers, cleaners and grocery staff.

I believe we’re learning that we’re all in this together. 

Ground-up initiatives have also popped up across the nation, ranging from giving our healthcare workers a round of nationwide applause or singing for them.

I believe we’re growing in unity as a nation. So let’s be grateful for the seeds of love planted in our neighbourhoods as we cultivate a climate of generosity and encouragement (1 Peter 3:8). 

5. Disruption

The circuit breaker has brought a lot of unforeseen changes into our lives. Many of these changes have brought real pain and suffering to some. 

But at the same time, disruption doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Many of us have been shaken from the comfort of our routines in the world – so that we can begin looking to the Sovereign God. 

So don’t waste the lockdown. We can come out of disruptions even stronger if we approach them in the correct way. 

6. Connection

I believe physical distance is no match for the deeper connections we can make with our loved ones. Many of us have become much more intentional in staying connected with our loved ones.

In a sense, I am grateful for how this pause has pulled me close with my loved ones. It has given us the opportunity to work on the relationships we may have taken for granted before.

Let’s also be grateful for new and innovative ways of staying connected, like sending each other surprise food deliveries and playing games together.

7. Freedom

Finally, freedom. This period has really made me think about what it actually means.

Jon Bloom said: “Freedom is not liberty to do what we want or the absence of distress. Real freedom is the deep-seated confidence that no matter what, God really will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19).”

Right now, we may be tempted to feel as if we’re imprisoned at home. It can feel like our freedom to do things like eat outside and watch movies have been taken from us.

Real freedom is the deep-seated confidence that no matter what, God really will provide everything we need

But I’m realising the truth that freedom is more than a physical thing.

I’m free from anxiety in the confidence I have that God will take care of us. Why wouldn’t He, when He has already sent Jesus to set us free from our sins (Galatians 5:1)? 

So even though circumstances right now may not be ideal, let us continue to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

As we go through another month of the circuit breaker, let us come out on the other side as a people stronger and more grateful.