Hope for the Jobless

I think we are all aware by now that the economy is not so great and that people are learning to stretch every dollar.

If you have a job, I know you’re thankful for it.

I’m thankful for mine.

But if you don’t, this post is for you.

I can’t imagine the courage you have as you wake up to face each new day. I can’t imagine the weight you bear on your shoulder day after day.

You wake up in the morning and have a cup of coffee with your wife. The unspoken questions loom. No one dares to ask. You try to act normal. Your kids go to school. You give them your last five. You don’t want them to feel the strain you feel.

You smile.

But your heart is so tight you feel you can’t breathe.

You sit at your desk and stare. You’re not sure where to start. You’ve asked every favor. You’ve used up every lead.

The day drags on only to find it’s time for bed. You got nothing new. You got nowhere to go.

Or you may be single and looking for a job. As if that’s any better…You have no one to turn to, nowhere to fall back on. You’re afraid and there’s no one to tell. You’re alone and you feel every bit of it. You check the mail. Again.

No miracle has happened.

Nothing has changed.

I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through. I can’t begin to feel the heaviness, the fear.

But I can remind you of these timeless truths that may help if you’re feeling hopeless. I know it will be harder for you to believe them right now. But perhaps you’ll hang on to a tiny thread. Perhaps you’ll find just a mustard seed of faith as you read them.

1. God has not forgotten you. I know it feels like he has. But he hasn’t. He loves you. Isaiah 50:15 says this: “can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? even these may forget yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” He sees you. He knows you. Don’t let go of that.

2. God is always on time. He was on time to deliver the people of Israel from Egypt. He was on time to deliver Joseph from prison. He was on time with Hannah, and Daniel, and the three brothers. But most importantly, he was right on time in sending His Son to save the world. It may feel like he’s a touch too late, but He’s not. He’s going to deliver right on time. Lean heavily on him in the meantime.

3. God can handle your fears. Yes, he can. He can handle your anger and frustrations, he can handle your doubt and your worry. You don’t have to be perfect to come to him. You simply have to come. When was the last time you felt you could honestly pour out your heart to God? David wasn’t shy about telling God exactly how he felt. He wrote Psalm after Psalm expressing both his praise to God, but also his deep deep heaviness. Take a walk and try it today. God will meet you there.

4. God will provide for your needs. I know it sounds trite. i know it almost sounds like a cliche, but God says in Philippians 4:19 that he will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I believe that literally. Look, you’re alive, you’re reading this post. Things could be worse. God will use his people to help provide for you. He will use miraculous ways to provide for your little ones. Rest in Him today.

Believe me, I know there is nothing easy about this season for you.

But know that you are being prayed for right now. Lazarus was dead. Mary and Martha thought it was too late. But Christ had other plans for them. And he has other plans for you too.

If you’re reading this and would like to email me your thoughts or prayer requests, email me at lina@livingwithpower.org.

I can’t promise an answer, but I know a God who can.

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