These days, it does not rain. It pours. Fear permeates the air, insecurity
grips the workplace, and worries assail the mind. A retrenched father
frets over money to pay bills. Holding a severance package, a middle-aged
ex-manager worries about employment. Against a continuous onslaught
of bad news, how does one remain sane? How can a person carry on when
the silver lining can barely be glimpsed in the dark thick clouds
of loss, pessimism and insecurity?
He Knows and Cares
There may not be an immediate solution. In the valley, as we struggle
with issues of esteem, security and providence, God knows and cares.
Often He sends angels alongside us to ease the load- like the friend
who walks up to you, looks you in the eye and affirms your unchanging
worth. He is the one who invites you for dinner to remind you that
the loss of a job does not mean the loss of your friends. He is the
one who brings your feet back on the ground when your imagination
wreaks havoc about the future. Two are indeed better than one. If
one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
Friends are God-given Gifts
Friends can be unbelievers and believers. Both are gifts from the
Lord. Both share our joys and halve our sorrows. However there is
a difference. A mature believer friend can point us to God, the source
of strength and hope. His own testimony can encourage us especially
if he had received hard knocks in life but his faith remains steadfastly
strong. It is more than words. Behind those words, it is his conviction
of who God is. He had been there, understands our predicament and
does not mouth cliches he does not understand. I have such elder brothers
and sisters in Christ whose cheer, care and concern lift me up with
their presence. Thank God for them. Paraphrasing Psalm 127, it's like
this: "Friends are blessings from the Lord. Blessed is the man
who has a quiver full of them."
Friends are Available
Friends who help you at a time when you were unemployed or depressed
share common traits. They are readily available. The thought that
someone is around means much. Feelings of frustration come in spurts
at unpredictable times. During those agonizing hours, it helps to
have a friend at hand just to be around. Their silent presence is
a sweet balm. At such times, the more words, the more irritation.
Occasional SMS messages like: " Keeping you in Prayer" bring
some cheer. I appreciate being treated like a normal person. That
keeps us in touch with the world around us. Otherwise one would be
drowned in a sea of introspection and self pity.
Such friends are available. Your group leader? Your University fellowship
pal? your church deacon or elder? Your staff worker? Find someone
who had gone through tough times and still loves God. He is a precious
gem. Spend time with him. It rubs off you. In these indefinite, turbulent
times, with a helping hand, a listening ear and a sensitive heart,
our friends can definitely ease the knocks along the bumps.
Be encouraged.
************************Letter #11 (17. 3. 2002)*************************
