I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS happened to me. It’s doesn’t seem real, but it is. It’s like living a bad dream. I no longer have a job and it wasn’t a decision I made on my own. Maybe it’s the same for you. I had a good job and I was good at it. Was I perfect? No, far from it, but I was very good at what I did for a living. In fact, before my position was eliminated, I had numerous successes that benefited the organization in many ways. How could this happen to me?
When given the news, I was shocked and stunned. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. One minute I’m employed, the next my world has been turned upside down. How about you? Were you surprised like me, or had you seen it coming? Either way, it hurts when reality sets in. Being in shock is normal, that feeling where you want to wake up and discover it was all a bad dream. For a while, nothing will seem normal. How long you remain in shock will be different for everyone and I urge you, do not to rush it. Nature must take its course.
The flood of thoughts and emotions you’ll face next may vary depending on your personal situation, but they might include any (or all) of these:
- I’m relieved it’s over.
- I’m angry.
- Why did this happen; what did I do?
- Why not someone else?
- How will I tell my spouse?
- What will I say to my children?
- What will others think?
- How will we make it financially?
- Will I ever find another job?
- What will I say to my coworkers?
- What will I say to those who worked for me?
- I’m afraid.
Through it all, God wants you to give those emotions and concerns over to him.
In Psalm 50:15 we read Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
God knows what you are going through and I want you to know that, no matter how unnerved or frightened you might be, he won’t leave you, ever!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31: 6).
God spoke these words to Joshua as he prepared to lead God’s children into the promised land. I have no doubt that Joshua was anxious; he was a new leader and they faced huge challenges. But God told him what he also says to us: Put your big boy/girl pants on because this won’t be easy. But don’t be afraid; I’m with you and we’ll get through this together.
Rest in the knowledge that God is present. He is with you every day, both the good days and the difficult days.
This week’s blog is an excerpt from How Long, O Lord, How Long? Devotions for the Unemployed and Those Who Love Them , By author Dale Kreienkamp.
