Новые времена Go back to the homepage Quiet despair or joyful anticipation? Back in the mid-1800s, essayist, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau made a statement that has become familiar to many of us: "Most people lead their lives in quiet desperation." In an extended quote, Thoreau said: "What is called resignation is confirmed despair…A stereotyped but unconscious despair lurks even beneath what are called the games and amusements of humanity." Indeed, not the most uplifting observation. But after more than 150 years, there's still some truth to it, isn't there? That "quiet desperation" Thoreau mentioned seems to have been exacerbated for many even more just a few years ago during the global pandemic. Daily routines were disrupted, people lost their jobs, quarantine and isolation increased the sense of isolation. What had been the "norm" for us was turned upside down. Perhaps you know someone whose life fits the description of "quiet desperation". Or maybe you yourself have felt the same way at times. We react to change in different ways, but when the uncertainty of life sometimes borders on chaos, it is obvious that despair is the best word to describe our state of mind. The pace of change is constantly increasing. The demands of the workplace are greater than ever. If we find ourselves in a downward emotional spiral, can we find joy in the midst of despair? The answer is yes, if we believe the eternal teachings and truths of the Bible. Scripture gives numerous examples of people who were delivered by God from desperate circumstances: the Israelites, who had been under slavery in Egypt for years, were delivered, the Lord led them to the Promised Land; David, who faced deadly opposition before and after he became king; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, saved from the fiery furnace; Daniel, thrown into the moat with the lions – and delivered. All of them could have fallen into despair, but God turned their despair into joy. For thousands of years, God has not changed. The situations we face every day may be different, but as the Bible confirms once again, "quiet desperation" need not necessarily define the hearts and minds of those who know and follow the Lord – even in the 21st century marketplace. Here are some assurances that are offered to us. Joy is found in the unchanging Word of God. Every day we are faced with a flood of bad news that makes us wonder if all hope is lost. Scottish pastor and author Alistair Begg states, "The path to eternal happiness is not simply a matter of rejecting false advice; it involves embracing the beauty of truth". «Blessed is the man who does not go to the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the assembly of corrupters; but in the law of the Lord is his will, and on his law he meditates day and night.» (Psalm 1:1-2). Joy follows God's transformation. Sometimes the difficulties we face are of our own making, and the Lord uses them for necessary discipline. But He remains faithful, and His love for His people never fades: «For for a moment is His wrath, for a lifetime His favor: in the evening there is lamentation, and in the morning there is joy» (Псалом 29:5). Joy can overcome resistance. The people we work with are not always pleased when we defend our faith. We may even face aggressive opposition and ridicule. But it was the same with Jesus Christ. He said: «Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you for my sake. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.» (Matthew 5:11-12). © 2023. Robert J. Tamasi has written "Ambassadors of the Marketplace: CBMC's Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship"; "Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today's Workplace"; "Seeking Life with the Heart of a Shepherd," co-authored with Ken Johnson; and "The Heart of Mentoring," co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. Questions for reflection/discussion Have you heard Henry David Thoreau's quote about people leading lives of "quiet desperation" before? What is your reaction to this observation? Do you believe it is still relevant today? Why yes or why no? Can you think of a time when you yourself might have associated your condition with "quiet desperation"? If so, what were the circumstances and how were the problems resolved? When you feel discouraged, even if you are not in the throes of despair, how do you usually react? Do you turn to trusted friends and coworkers for encouragement and support? Have you found that reading the Bible helps in such times? Explain your answers. How do you think faith rooted in God can help you get through difficult, even desperate times, whether they are work-related or personal and occupational? Have you had instances where, despite troubling circumstances, you found that your faith in the Lord enabled you to find "joy (or rejoicing) from the morning"? If so, what impact did it have on you? NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Acts 5:40-42; Romans 5:1-5,11, 12:10-12; James 1:2-8; 1 Peter 4:12-13 Difficult task We may be tempted to suffer alone through difficult times, but we can also benefit from the encouragement, support and, if necessary, wise counsel of others. Who can you turn to when you feel discouraged or are on the verge of despair? What steps can you take today to create a support group when you need one?
