Firm Faith in a Wobbly World
Recession, termination, overstimulation… what we need to tackle these uncertain times is the Messiah and meditation
The other day, I watched an episode of a comedy show where the male protagonist takes on a second job to make extra money. By day, he’s a teacher; by night, he drives and delivers pizzas. Before long, he’s overwhelmed, struggling to juggle three jobs and make it to the karaoke night he promised his girlfriend. At the end of the episode, he skips a surge-priced ride to be with her instead. Looking into the camera, he says, “Some things are priceless.”
We’ve all been there — juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, especially in times when inflation is so steep that even a pop star like Jennifer Lopez jokes, “Due to inflation, my love will now be costing a thing.”
Balancing a full day of work with quality time for loved ones is an art. Financial insecurity is real, and when opportunities arise that offer a paycheck in exchange for our time, choosing what we give up requires discernment. I’ve often been guilty of rushing out the door without spending time with the Maker who gave me the gift of another day. And then, there are seasons when He stops being my priority, as I drift through stretches of manmade busyness.
Work can so easily become an idol. It can consume us — especially when things are going well. Promotions and recognition can trick us into believing we are self-sufficient. And eventually, skipping time with the Creator stops feeling uncomfortable.
Be Magazine Faith Editor Melanie Stevenson puts it beautifully: “A life aligned with Christ experiences rest from the weary pursuit of counterfeit gods or the striving of our souls to be good enough. This full-to-the-brim peace comes not by working hard but simply by receiving Jesus and resting in his presence.”
Pausing to remember that He is our ultimate provider helps slow down the chase for professional success. This doesn’t mean we abandon our ambitions — but it does mean we regularly check our hearts: Is this work drawing me closer to Him? Is it equipping me to serve Him better?
Sometimes we work to fill an emptiness inside — a condition aptly named workaholism. Whether our sense of deprivation stems from identity struggles, strained or absent relationships, or wounds from the past, a God-first approach brings true healing. Professional help from therapists and coaches is important, but real transformation comes when we honour God first and let Him do His work in our hearts.
James 1:2–4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
When a storm hits, my default (often comical) reaction is, “Why God, why meee?” Thankfully, my mother and other Christ-loving women in my support circle always remind me of the faith-shaping purpose of pain. As Savannah Guthrie beautifully writes in her book, Mostly What God Does..., is love me.
Romans 8:28 assures us: “In all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good.”
In all things — not just the joyful or victorious ones, but even through heartache, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
So whatever difficulty we’re walking through, let’s pause before we rush to problem-solve. Let’s thank God for the storm — because it’s in the storm that we cling tighter to Jesus. Keeping our eyes on Him brings calm, direction, and reassurance. He has already written our life stories.
Jesus invites us to find our fulfillment in Him. All we need to do is yield our hearts. Nothing else can fill the void. Our hearts are made to feel whole only through Him. Let’s make this truth a foundation stone — and give Him the very best of what we have, first.
By Susan Jose Adeux
On Instagram @coffeekindofpeople
