Back in the mid-1800s, essayist, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau made a statement that has become familiar to many of us: “The majority of people lead their lives in quiet desperation.” In an extended quotation, Thoreau said, “What is called resignation is confirmed despair... A stereotypical but unconscious despair lurks even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.”
Indeed, not the most encouraging observation. But more than 150 years later, there's still some truth to it, isn't there? This “quiet despair” that Thoreau mentioned seems to have become even more acute for many just a few years ago during a global pandemic. Daily routines were disrupted, people lost their jobs, quarantine and isolation increased the feeling of confinement. What was “the norm” for us has been 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 becomes clear that despair is the best word to describe our state of mind. The pace of change is constantly increasing. Demands in 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. The Holy Scriptures give numerous examples of people who were delivered by God from desperate circumstances: the Israelites, who had been under slavery for many years in Egypt, were freed and the Lord led them to the Promised Land; David, who faced deadly opposition before and after becoming king; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, saved from the fiery furnace; Daniel, thrown into the lions' den - and rescued.
They all could have fallen into despair, but God turned their despair into joy. For a thousand years God has not changed. The situations we face every day may be different, but as the Bible once again confirms, “quiet despair” does not have to define the hearts and minds of those who know and follow the Lord—even in the 21st century marketplace. These are some of the assurances that are offered to us.
Joy is found in the unchanging Word of God. Every day we are faced with a barrage 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 accepting the beauty of truth.” “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, and does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit in the seat of the wicked, but his will is in the law of the Lord, 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 to provide necessary discipline. But He remains faithful, and His love for His people never fades: “For His wrath is but a moment, but His favor endures a lifetime: mourning may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 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 the same thing happened with Jesus Christ. He said, “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you unrighteously because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: even so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
© 2023. Robert J. Tamasi wrote Market Ambassadors: The Continuing Legacy of CBMC Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at its Best: Timeless Proverbial Wisdom for Today's Workplace; Finding Life with a Shepherd's Heart, 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
NOTE. 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 when going through difficult times, but we can also benefit from the encouragement, support and, when needed, wise counsel of others. Who can you turn to when you feel frustrated or on the verge of despair? What steps can you take today to create a support group when you need it?
