Our economy is in shambles, our country is at war, bad times are prevalent with the "experts" predicting it to get worse through the rest of this year and into next year. Just yesterday the board at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind voted to lay 55 people off because the money to pay them just isn't available. They are being notified as I type this post. In the past two weeks 3 people that I know or that were very close to someone that I know closely have took their own lives, one of them was a preacher.
Tough Times. We are experiencing tough times. This is where the rubber hits the road. This is where our faith shines through or we cave in and lose our mind (collectively and individually). Often we here that the BIBLE is God's "handbook for life" to us. Are we sure this is true? Do we really rely on the Book for strength and guidance? People are hurting right now and no one seems to be able to ease the pain. What should we do?
Can you offer any uplifting scripture for these times? What about a story of faith?
As a Christian how do you feel about these times? Are you worried? Have you or someone close to you lost their job or been affected by our delima?
2 comments:
Not so much an answer to this query, but just an answer about perspective. After all, the issues above seem to me to be all about needing a biblical perspective, and/or folks who had lost their perspective. A short one liner our preacher says from time to time is "what more can the devil do when the man he killed won't stay dead?" But I'm not sure it's comforting for those of us who haven't experienced these hard times to offer a funny little one liner. Is this the time to offer a hand of tangible help? How do we help our brothers/sisters? Well, it's not a trick question. They need money! They need Godly advice! Most of us have one or the other, if not both. Buy some groceries and leave them on their porch. Send an anonymous envelope of cash to their mailbox. Write "From: God" on it!
I believe at one time or another we all go through trials and struggles. Health begins to fail, jobs may be lost, money becomes scarce, loved ones die, and so forth. All of these issues can wreak havoc on a person's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being unless a deep abiding faith exists, a faith only found in Jesus Christ.
Funny enough, the lowest and worst times in my life have been the ones where I thought I was alone, only to discover months and sometimes years later, God was with me all the time clearly at work molding and strengthening me, preparing me for future endeavors. I firmly believe He puts us in challenging situations so that weeks, months, and even years later we can be a blessing and a comfort to someone else.
I'm part owner of a business, but there's no guarantee this business will continue to succeed. There's no guarantee I won't get a call today saying someone I love has died tragically. I don't know that I won't lose one of my children, lose my husband, lose my parents, my job, or be diagnosed with cancer. The only thing I'm sure of in this life is when it's all said and done, whether all I have is taken away or God chooses to bless me abundantly, my relationship with Jesus Christ is the only thing that will survive.
On a personal note, and it's very personal, I know most of you know me to be a fun loving, happy-go-lucky person. I love to have fun and try to think positively when life gets tough. However, I struggle with worry about the future, the "what ifs", and depression. I will be brutally honest and tell you I have been treated for depression and anxiety. I have had times when I've wanted to end it all. In these moments I've heard a still, small voice, the voice of the Holy Spirit, urging me to "be still and don't give up". The same voice has told me "to remember this or that situation, did I not see you through"? Through tough times I've learned that it's not about me, but it's about HIM and He's not finished with me yet and when I shift my focus to Him I have renewed strength. I've learned to look around and take notice. There are people genuinely hurting with real problems and sometimes all it takes to witness and minister is a kind smile, a friendly hello, or a helping hand. I'm learning, slowly, but surely, if I'll take my eyes off "me" and put my eyes on "Him" that no matter the trials life brings (and there will be trials) that I'm safe and secure.
In closing, I love old hymns because I'm a PK and was raised in church. Hymns speak to me spiritually and in it's simplicity the following chorus speaks volumes to me when life gets tough and I can still hear my Grandfather's big voice bellowing out a song he clung to(and he had lots of struggles, but his hope outweighed):
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
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