We often face tribulation and trials living as Christians in this world. In Singapore, we are blessed not to encounter things like large-scale natural disasters, lack of food and water or religious persecution. We have many things we can be thankful for, but at the same time, we also face our own set of challenges. As a small island nation which does not have its own natural resources, we are often impacted by global developments in ways bigger than other larger countries might experience. While we are physically “sheltered” from natural disasters, our population is less “sheltered” from global happenings and the fast pace of globalisation. One example is how the global pandemic has led to significant negative effects on mental and emotional health among Singaporeans.
Last year, a large-scale study revealed that COVID-19 has led to psychological distress among one in three adults, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and insomnia. Previous studies also suggested that younger adults were more likely to experience psychological distress than those over the age of 35, potentially due to their greater access to COVID-19 information through the media. An IMH study found that COVID-19 had taken a “significant” toll on the mental well-being of Singaporeans, with nearly 1 in 10 of them reporting mild to severe stress related to the pandemic.
These studies show that there are those among us who are suffering, and this may not always be immediately evident on the surface. A lot of us can probably attest to the challenges of adapting to different living, studying and working conditions over time, and having to interact with people in ways different from what we have been previously used to for many years.
What can we do when we face such difficulties? I believe we can draw inspiration from the Bible, God’s Holy word which provides many precepts and principles that can guide us in living as Christians on this earth. In Psalm 34, David faced difficulties with rulers of the day and had to “pretend madness” before being driven away. Similar to many of us now, he must have been facing a fair degree of anxiety and stress, as evident from the Psalm in how he had many fears (Psalm 34:4), cried out to the Lord (Psalm 34:6) and experienced many troubles (Psalm 34:6).
In the midst of his difficulties, David remembered to bless the Lord at all times and continually praised the Lord with his mouth (Psalm 34:1). He magnified God and exalted his name (Psalm 34:3), so that the challenges he faced would be minimised in comparison. David sought the Lord (Psalm 34:4) and trusted in Him (Psalm 34:8). He feared the Lord (Psalm 34:9) more than people of the earth or trials he faced, and the Lord saved him from his troubles (Psalm 34:6) and did not allow him to lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10).
The Psalm also reveals how our behaviors can have a positive effect on ourselves and those around us. We are to desire life and love many days (Psalm 34:12), keep our tongues from evil and lips from speaking deceit (Psalm 34:13), depart from evil and do good (Psalm 34:14). We are encouraged to seek and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14).
When we do these things, the eyes of the Lord will be on the righteous (Psalm 34:15) despite the tribulation we face, and His ears will be open to our cries (Psalm 34:15 & 17). The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). The Lord will deliver such righteous people from all of their troubles (Psalm 34:17) and afflictions (Psalm 34:19).
Do we think of God and trust in His almighty power when we are struggling with our difficulties? Do we keep a look out for our fellow brethren who might be suffering and offer them encouragement, listening ears or even simple gestures of kindness? I leave you with these questions to think about.