How to be purposeful when nothing seems right?

 

I thought safe at home means I have plenty of time to plan for the future ahead. Learn a new skill, explore new horizons, build a side hustle, get another degree. But in fact, digital isolation means you're connected but not in control. Everyday is about appearing in virtual meetings, scroll the web, and sleep.

I am a lost, weary soul. How can I possibly more forward in life like this? Well, this post is a result of reading the bible. 

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible; like gold refined seven times - Psalms 12:6

To be honest, my problem is not solved yet. But here are four things that give clarity and perspective. In short, Gold walks with us on our journey, and there's hope for what is to come.

1. Know Your Calling

The difference between a mission and calling is that calling requires a caller. And the caller is God. Proverbs 29.18 states that where there is no vision, the people perish. When we are filing our life with autopilot busyness and living an aimless life, a piece of us dies inside. 

When God calls, He enables. Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak. - Exodus 4:12

When God calls, He provides. Even in times like this, God provides. I know there is a lot of struggle outside, but I also see the promotion, the new jobs, and opportunities around. 

2. Being part of the community

Because life is so easily overwhelmed now, we need each other. You could join one or be one for others.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We take turns to run activities that enable people to connect, and grow together. We did things like sharing about mental health, make online birthday bash, enabler workshops, brainstorm financial solutions. Everyone matters, no one should walk alone. 

If you don't have a place to start, I suggest joining an online Alpha. 

3. Let life catch up a bit 

Whatever we are trying to work on, we need to make space for life to happen. I think too much about tomorrow and forget about today. Life doesn't happen later or tomorrow but now. 

For it's by grace, you have been saved, through faith - this is the gift of God - Ephesians 2:8. I am still learning to trust God to work above and beyond my capability. 

4. Let the bible speaks to our Personal Finance journey

The bible has 2,350 verse about money and possessions. So much is sad about money because how we deal with money, matters.

Yes, we need systematic change in our tax structure and wages reform, but principles like saving and plodding (investing) don't go away. 

Social justices, billionaires, and capitalism. I think the Bible seems to have a model of free-market with a twist. Old testimony set instructions where debts are cancelled every seven years including the land. It seems that this resets the balance of wealth distribution and there won't be extreme poverty. 

In the New testimony, God promises fulfilled. The believers sold what they have and share with everyone. The kingdom of God is not about buying and selling, but giving and receiving. 

If that's the end, it's a good ending.