Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Job Security or God Security?

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.        Philippians 4: 6-7
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
They walk and don't lag behind.
Isaiah 40: 31 (The Message)

I got a letter in the mail yesterday from a friend I hadn't heard from in a few years. I was glad to learn she seems to be doing well. She asked me if I felt lost. I had to ponder that for the rest of the day. I suppose it depends on how one defines lost. If I'm not sure where I'll find full-time self-supporting employment by the time I graduate, then, yes, maybe I seem lost. But how many of us are emotionally and financially secure in our current jobs? Those with the best 401K's, benefits and stellar performance appraisals in the morning could still be pink slipped by the end of the day. What does job security mean? Knowing that you will be employed in some capacity in order to pay the bills or confidence that the entity for whom you work will keep you on and promote you until retirement?

The temptation, in spite of logging in a half day of job searching, is to work oneself into hysterics because of an unknown future. But whose future is known? How does one cope with any uncertainty?

What does the Bible say about being lost and wandering around in uncertainties? Do the exact opposite of the Israelites in Exodus? Moses would not have been eager to write that motley crew shining letters of recommendations based on their bad attitudes and lack of obedience. But if God can miraculously lead the second generation of Israelites to their Promised Land, then shouldn't I trust that He will lead me out my desert to the Promised Land of employment? By faith I left a financially secure job. He has already led me this far. Why am I wavering now?

Yesterday afternoon I stumbled upon an article online titled "Why Worry is a Choice." Written by Deepak Chopra, it provides fabulous insight about the illusions behind anxiety and how to overcome it in a concrete way, besides panting in a paper bag. Then I dreamed last night that I was wrestling with a large snake. My interpretation? Satan wants to keep all of us mired down in fear and despair. We must recognize that and treat the disillusionment with the Truth of God's word. My prescription for the day? Three tablespoons of Isaiah 40: 27-31 morning, noon and night and 50 mg of Philippians 4: 6-7 at night.