Every now and then I get a hint that the positive energy that is so evident at a JobSeeker meeting is a turn-off to some. Some people have a very difficult time embracing hope when life seems hopeless; seeing the new day dawning when they are in their darkest night; expecting a great outcome when all they can see is a train wreck in their rearview mirror. Hanging out with folks who are at odds with your present view of life can be a downer A couple of years ago we had a JobSeeker named Paul who gave a very rousing testimony about the ups and downs of his job long search. I admired his transparency, because all of us have felt the emotions he's felt, we just wouldn't describe them in detail to 30 people! For instance, he said that Friday was the only day of the workweek when he knew he'd have to get out of his pajamas and get dressed for work. Even when he was down Paul came to JobSeekers.
Paul also told us about a rejection letter he received; it said, "After prayerful consideration, we've decided to go in a different direction." Paul really wanted that job; of course he was disappointed. Five minutes later, the phone rang and an offer came in. He accepted. Paul didn't lose heart, and he didn't lose hope. Paul got a job because he looked for a job even when he didn't feel like it.
Another JobSeeker sent me an email right after she had accepted a new job. She said she had been working a "dead end" job for three months. She told me how discouraged she had been and wrote: "Don't back down on your encouragement to others! When I would attend the meetings and hear encouraging words from others who had 'been there,' I was like, 'Yeah right, but I need a job!'"
As I reflected on her message, I thought of this verse from Psalm 34:18:
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Folks, if you are down and out, come to JobSeekers. If you aren't in the same place as many of the other folks, that's okay! We want to meet you -- and God wants to meet you -- right where you are. If you are in a depressed state right now, remember that it is -- or it can be -- a temporary state, just as it was for these two people. Get the help you need to pull yourself out of the pit of despair. One good place to start is at JobSeekers of PTC on Friday morning.
Don't lose heart, and don't lose hope. The LORD is close and he will save you. It starts when you turn to him and ask for help.
The lady who wrote the email found out that God was working for good all along, even though she couldn't see or feel it. She finished by saying, "It has taken a lot of prayer and patience and a lot of dead-end interviews, but the miracle is that this firm was not advertising for someone, but somehow they found me! Tell me that wasn't God's hand in it!"
Last year I spoke to fellow named Phil, a client and JobSeeker who'd been having a tough time -- he had two or three opportunities getting close throughout his search, but couldn't seem to get one across the goal line. His latest disappointment was that he'd not heard back from the hiring manager about a job he really wanted. We made plans to have lunch and a strategy session the next day. Monday night at 9:15 the manager called and offered him the job, so we celebrated instead.
Tuesday evening I showed Psalm 42 to two of my clients. The Psalmist is in agony, lamenting the days of old when things were good: "My tears have been my food day and night." But here's what I pointed out: even though his spirit is crushed, he says he will continue to praise God: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." The Psalmist didn't loose heart, and he didn't loose hope.
You never know how close you are to landing a job -- but you've got to keep doing the things that lead to success. Come to JobSeekers tomorrow. Don't lose heart. Don't lose hope. Keep the faith. Keep trying. Better days are ahead.
See you tomorrow at JobSeekers, the place where we turn despair into hope!
