WELL PROVIDED July 8, 2020

Every day, our office paging system broadcasts prayers invoking GOD for protection and healing, and provision.  One particular line is thought provoking because it is relevant to why we risk health and life to report to work every day, and that is, we are thankful that GOD still allowed us to have work and that may He continue to provide for us, so that we might be able to provide for ourselves and those who depend on us.

This indeed is a heavy issue these days, seeing that millions around the world have lost their jobs to the pandemic.  Those who do still have jobs, risk being contacted with the virus each day, where many have succumbed and many are still suffering from it.

Which is why that, yes, I agree, my social media feed seems to have so many of my friends and friends of friends who advertise their wares online, probably to augment their income since we may not all be earning the same these days compared to before the pandemic started.  It is sad though, that some people have resorted to spreading memes about this, with a few friends I know who seem to mock the efforts of these well-meaning (mostly) individuals at trying to earn a few extra pesos to feed their families.  Maybe those who belittle such efforts are secured in their careers and their means of income, and they look down on people who they think peddle their goods and services online.

While I do not judge these people, my sympathy is with the online vendors, because I too, was sent through school by my mother and maternal grandmother, who support my living expenses while a student only from our sidewalk vending activities.  Maybe those who think such ways of earning income are pathetic or lowly, but then I can honestly say that as a product of such efforts myself, I personally think it is honorable and a fruit of good, honest, and sincere labor.

Maybe too, those people are annoyed because it seems every day we see only posts of those who sell bread, mango floats, cakes and pastries and stuff, even those who barter alcohol solutions, masks and disinfectants with old books.  That is their opinion, and I for one, lack the wisdom to judge them for it.

But there is one thing I believe though, and know for certain, that, whatever efforts we may pour out on something, be it a professional, high-caliber, high-profile career, or even just a low-level blue collar work, or even a micro-business such as a sari-sari store or through physical vending or online selling, as long as we are convinced that it is not our own effort, our own smartness, or our own connections that bring us grace every day, and acknowledge that GOD Himself is the One who actually provides for us, and sends people our way to help us, to make us learn and grow, and to support us to prepare for greater things ahead, then we are on the right track.  I can only hope our tax agency realizes how to collect revenue equitably in like perspective too.

The Word today is one of the most famous and oft-quoted especially in difficult times, that of the Good Shepherd in the book of Psalms chapter 23.  The first verse alone acknowledges Who is the True Master.  It is not us who knows everything, it is not our bosses who are swimming in wealth and connections, it is not our relatives or connections who are in the high echelons of power, but GOD—He whom, if we let ourselves be led like sheep of the Good Shepherd, will give us contentment, no matter the size of our bank accounts or if they may be nonexistent.

For the many of us who have memorized this chapter, we know what the next verses say: that He makes us lie down, chill a little and not exert too much effort, among abundant fields of green pastures.  He restores and refreshes our soul, so that we need not fear or be burdened at the start of another grueling workday or workweek.  He leads us beside still waters, so that we do not need to struggle against or be bothered or harassed by turbulent and malevolent forces in striving for and receiving nourishment and in trying to eke out a living or surviving it through the workplace jungle.  He is the One who restores our soul, renews our humanity and our being children and heirs made in His image, every day, every week, every moment. 

He leads us in the right way to live, so that we will not be bothered by our conscience, keeping us away from choices and judgments that may be done without fairness and justice for all.  Even if we go through dangerous situations, we need not fear, for our GOD is with us, His rod to discipline evildoers and establish His authority over our lives will always be there, and His shepherd staff will always call us out to Him so that we are not led astray by every wind of doctrine, fake news, biased judgments and poorly informed ideas, principles and philosophies.

Even in the presence of those who oppose us, belittle us, insult us, accuse us wrongly, gossip against us or destroy our reputations, He will still provide for us and more—He will prepare a feast before us.  While our enemies could only look on and realize that their dependence on their own wealth and abilities will soon deplete and be rendered worthless with the passing of time, we have faith that our GOD will always fill us daily with His new mercies and grace.  While those who think badly of us believe that they are better, that they know more, that they are more successful, secure and independent, we know that from GOD, we will receive the anointing, we will be filled with His Spirit, so that we overflow with His presence and love.

While those who hate us or who seek to intimidate us or harass us to silence and inactivity and self-doubt believe that they are invincible and perfect and all-knowing, not knowing that at the end only fear and distress and depression await them when they realize their efforts and confidence are only in vain; we are convinced that with GOD reigning with His will over our lives, goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, even at the point of death, and beyond, where we will spend eternity in His house, and with His presence forever.

While many people may read this as a rant, as children of GOD, may we have eyes to see that where there are people who do not believe in what we believe in, who do not acknowledge GOD the same way we acknowledge Him, that more than any trial or suffering or need or deprivation, as His people, we are amply and sufficiently well-provided in every way.