It’s an experience which most of us will recognize. Especially when we need it most, it’s more difficult than ever to trust God. When everything is going well it’s way easier to trust God or at least to tell ourselves that we do so.

Even in the Bible we find many examples of people who wrestle with fear and trust. Take Peter, confidently he gets off the boat to walk on the water towards Jesus , but then doubts and fear arise… Or take the writers of the Psalms, again and again they call out to God ‘Will you save us?’ or ‘Have you forsaken us?’

So our experience isn’t unique or strange, and maybe these examples could even help us to discover how we can trust God and rely on Him in the midst of our fears. When we look at the examples in the Bible this seems to have everything to do with our focus and what we’re looking at. As soon as Peter focusses on Jesus, the confidence and trust arise to walk. Probably his fear wasn’t gone immediately and maybe it was still a tentative trust, but as soon as his focus shifts from the dark, deep water under his feet to Jesus who is before him he is able to walk.

The same is true for the writers of the Psalms. In the difficult situations they find themselves in they cry out to God. The psalms are full of laments, questions to God and calls for justice. Using firm words and claims… yes, even the cry “My God, why have you forsaken me?”. But the addressee of their lament and call for justice is constantly God, and that tells something. For in the midst of everything there is still the hope and confidence that God listens and that he is able to offer an answer and help.

And that’s exactly what we may do as well. While crying out or with our doubts and questions that are still present, we can bring our fears before God. That’s vulnerable, absolutely. For it means that we have to face our fears or the realization that we cannot fix it ourselves. But exactly in this vulnerability a space is created where God can come to us, to answer and touch us.

Maybe you have no idea how to begin or how to do this. In that case it can help to do it together, to speak with someone else about this, to listen to one another and stimulate each other to take time for prayer and reflection. God gave us to one another with a purpose. And just when you don’t know how, it can be very encouraging to look beyond your own point of view or horizon, and to hear stories and see examples of people who in the midst of everything that happens to them continue to trust in God. Looking at these example can give us the courage to try it ourselves.

www.dutchnews.nl  
This website brings daily news from the Netherlands in English

www.facebook.com/NOSinEnglish/  
English translations of news articles written by the largest news organization of the Netherlands (NOS) can be found on the Facebook page ‘NOS in English’

www.rivm.nl/en
The website of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19
On this website you can find information about what the Dutch government – together with other organisations – is doing to get coronavirus under control in the Netherlands.

There are roughly three ways a country can respond to the coronavirus, in his address to the nation on television Prime minister Mark Rutte spoke of the ‘three scenarios’.

In the first scenario the virus is allowed to run its course unchecked, however, in that case the Dutch health system will not have the capacity to help everyone.

In the second scenario there is a maximum containment of the virus, also known as a lockdown. The Dutch government has not opted for this scenario based on the reasoning that to be effective a lockdown is not just for a few weeks but for a much longer amount of time, which would have huge consequence for schools, the economy etc. Moreover, it is very likely that the virus would simply start spreading again once the lockdown is over. This risk remains until there is a drug or vaccine for the virus.

Therefore, the Dutch government has opted for the third scenario, namely a maximum control of the virus. This means that wide cooperation and different rules and regulations are used to ensure that people follow the hygiene rules, avoid public venues (such as cafés), and maintain physical distance from each other. Consequently infecting each other less easily and preventing an uncontrolled and quick spreading of the virus.

Three extra reasons or advantages are given by the Dutch government for this approach. First of all, most people will experience only minor symptoms and recover from the virus without medical assistance. Secondly, most people will build immunity, so the virus has less and less chance to make other people sick. And finally, the hospitals, nursing homes and home care services are not overwhelmed, so there is always enough capacity in the healthcare system.

For more information, see: RIVM

For an overview of the measures taken by the government and what this practically means for you, see: government.nl

For frequently asked questions about the approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands, see: government.nl

There are no classes to attend or meetings with your fellow students. You are free to structure your day anyway you like because there are no set routines. Some will love this freedom, while others might benefit from having a set rhythm. In general, every person thrives if he/she has a clear day and night rhythm with set times for eating. What is the best way to structure your day in these times? Let’s look at some key points.

First, ask yourself when you would like to wake up and when to go to bed. A good tip if you have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning is to schedule an online breakfast with someone else. It harder to forfeit a commitment to some else than it is to yourself. Hopefully, this will help you to get up for a new day.

Second, it is helpful to plan what you want to do at the beginning of the day. Divide your day into different blocks and alternate between studying and relaxation. To make it more fun: have an online coffee or tea moment with someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time.

Third, make sure you set goals you are able to reach at the end of the day. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and will motivate you. When you set unrealistically high goals for one day, you will not be able to finish everything.  This will give you the feeling you are always behind and this will demotivate you.

Finally, it is helpful to ask for help and benefit from the experience of others around you since you have set your own daily schedule. Finding a new rhythm that is healthy and works for you can be difficult. For example, you can make a commitment with one another the keep each other accountable.

Don’t be angry at yourself when things aren’t going the way you had planned. This is can (and will) happen. Remember that the next day is new day to try it again.