The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

He Will Provide

Do you experience times when you are wearied with the “what” questions. You know . . . What is my calling? What career would really make me happy? What am I genuinely passionate about doing? What if I take a job that I don’t like? What if I bomb the interview — again? Because these kinds of questions cut so deep, after a while it hurts to think about them. In fact, when the “what” questions start to swirl around in your head, I imagine you’d like to forget about your career transition journey and concentrate on something else — maybe look up random stuff on eBay, surf the Internet, go to lunch, work in the yard or just take a nap — anything to escape for a couple of hours.

I get that. There were times during my transition that were so bleak, so dark, so discouraging, that I felt like I was plunging into a downward spiral of depression. These words from Psalm 88 described my emotional state well: “I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength” (verses 3 – 4). Ironically, I took comfort from this psalm, knowing that I wasn’t alone in feeling that “darkness is my closest friend” (verse 18). . . .

In addition to the need for close friends and advisers during the journey, I have found it beneficial, when I’m really struggling with those pesky “what” questions, to shift the focus to a different “what” —namely, what I have. There’s something about giving thanks for my blessings that chases away the doldrums of despair. Here’s a short list of blessings I have compiled:

1. RELATIONSHIPS: I’m blessed with a loving family, faithful friends and great neighbors.

2. HEALTH: I walk, talk, see and hear; I have use of my fingers, hands, arms, feet and legs; and I’m not physically or mentally disabled.

3. PROVISION: I have a place to live, electricity, heat and air conditioning, food, a reliable car, gas in the car, clothing, a phone, a cell phone, a computer.

4. A CARING CHURCH: Pastors, elders, deacons and counselors are available to help provide for my spiritual, emotional and even financial needs (through the deacon fund).

5. A GOD WHO LOVES ME: The Lord knew I would be on this journey. He has not abandoned me. He is my Provider and “the God who saves me” (Psalm 88:1).

The list can go on and on. Sometimes I need it to go on and on for me to really get the message that God does care. In his time, he will supply the answers to the “what” questions. Our job is to have faith and believe.

Taken from Why Did I Lose My Job if God Loves Me?