by Gloria Chafulumisa-Muli.

As much as we hear stories about the economy picking up, there are many people who were laid off during the “really bad” days, who are still trying to get back on their feet and are having trouble finding jobs.

There is no reason to feel idle or allow depression to take over your life. You can live a fulfilled life as you wait on God to get you through this season.

Don’t panic, pray (Philippians 4:6-7). God is still your  Provider and He will come through for you. Just trust Him. He has never let anyone down and never will. Hang in there and talk to Him – it will ward off any looming depression as well.

Be angry, but do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Express your anger to God. Be honest to Him because He knows your heart anyway. Don’t leave your emotions unattended. Deal with them, and then forgive. Forgive the people you think are responsible for the recession, and forgive the people who laid you off. Forgive God, if you have wrongfully harboured anger toward Him knowing He can do no wrong.

Put your money aside. It’s harder to get a job now. One of our favourite verses here at Yakuti is Proverbs 22:3. Don’t spend what you cannot afford or live above your means. Save everything you have in an emergency account. Don’t bury everything you have in a secret room in your house. Don’t become paranoid and do not allow your savings to become an idol. God is still in charge and He will still provide but wisdom is key.

Volunteering takes the cake again (Luke 6:38)! Like we saw last month, giving is cathartic. Just get out there and give your time to others. take your mind off yourself and see what wonders it works for you.

Plant a garden (Proverbs 31:27b). Or take up another hobby that you can monitor and commit some time to every day.

Spend time with family and friends. Now, you don’t have an excuse for not going for that wedding, dinner, or other event.

Don’t look down on any job offers or opportunities (Romans 12:16). My friend says in her country there are jobs they call kyeyo. “Bum-wiping,” pizza delivery, flipping burgers and janitorial jobs fall into the kyeyo category. Don’t be ashamed to get a job where you make an honest pay and are being obedient to God. People have gone from CEO to pizza delivery and moved from mansions to one-bedroom apartments. In a way, as painful as it is, it is a good thing because it reminds us all that God is in control. Your friends may laugh or even rejoice to see you doing what many consider as “low” but God will reward you for your diligence and humility.

Remember all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

POSSIBLY RELATED ARTICLES:

1. Feeling Blue Toyin, How do I know the difference between just having “the blues” and being truly depressed? If there is a...
2. Friendship thoughts for 2009 Courtship is not the only relationship in life. We need friends to encourage, inspire and challenge us as we go...
3. Christmas Saving Ideas by Rika Muluzi. Having a late lunch with my three close friends one afternoon, I was dismayed to learn that...