Hi there. I am Dr. Gilbert Soo Hoo, welcoming you back for the thirteenth episode of our series of talks on the topic, “My Work, Career, and Vocation.” In the previous two episodes, we looked at one inescapable reality of life. Life doesn’t always go according to plan or expectation. When things go haywire we’re confused, shocked, disturbed. Frustration and disappointment can mark our lives. We don’t like how things have developed but feel helpless to remedy the situation. We ponder what to do next, how to react. It’s puzzling to say the least.

But we’re not unique or alone in this dilemma. We had alluded to the lament psalms, some which we believe depict David’s own predicament, especially when king Saul and others target him in spite of his innocence. His laments or complaints are directed to God, crying out to him for deliverance. But quick rescue does not take place. So David desperately remains one small step ahead of Saul and his army intent on his demise. David has the impression that God is not listening or even possibly not really concerned about his welfare. He asks God why the delay in answering. Does that sound familiar? Have we not found ourselves in some predicament where we prayed for help but nothing materializes? We wait for a divine response and it’s not forthcoming, at least not as quickly as we would want.

But we learn something from David’s words in those psalms. The words are surprisingly direct, honest, even raw. Strong terms expressing strong feelings revealing the inner turmoil raging within David’s heart. It seems he’s very bold and daring in confronting God. And because his words are preserved in Scripture, we suspect that God wants us later readers to see how a relationship with him can be so open, direct, and familiar. For us with children, we’ve had them challenge us, cry and yell, and give us a tough time. They’re not bashful toward us though they may be toward other adults. This reflects David’s relationship and communication with God, like a child with their father. No reservation; complete trust. We conclude that these psalms portray David’s robust faith in God and God recognizes that faith and David’s honesty. Whether God approves of David’s complaints and accusations is one thing. That God welcomes his faith and understands that his struggles, pain, desperation, and doubts give rise to words that, in order to capture the full force of his inner turmoil, are very forceful dispensing with formalities, suggest that God accepts his servants who act like David. But as we noted last time, David never turned away from God but always prayed directing his complaints to God, thereby keeping the channel of communication open and maintaining a functional relationship. This is the key explaining why God forbore David’s boldness. The Lord was still his God. In spite of the strong language, David still revered God.

Another very important factor that explains why David should not doubt God’s faithfulness and commitment to him is the covenant promise God made to him, that through him God would establish a permanent rule and kingdom. Hence, no matter how desperate the predicament facing David, threatening his safety and life, God would protect and deliver him in order to keep that promise. Life, however, was not smooth or trouble-free for David. Indeed, it was very taxing for him and the threat very real, putting him at wit’s end on how to survive long enough to see the next morning. Saul could easily defeat and destroy David unless God intervened. David knew this and, in reality, had no option but to trust God. The alternative, which he did take, was to flee and take refuge in foreign land, off-limits for Saul especially as David sought refuge in enemy territory.

Similarly, we may face a very challenging life, surviving each day as best as we can. Threats beyond our control—an unreasonable boss, toxic work environment, cutthroat competition in our field of work, difficult and demanding customers, or, on the home front, domestic woes, marital strife, demanding in-laws, troublesome children—any of those conspire to cause us unremittent grief, stress, headaches and heartaches. We don’t know what to do. We wish to escape it all but can’t. We feel trapped. This is our life and we see no end. Or something mysterious, inexplicable happens. We’re puzzled, confused, uncertain. It becomes the norm. We can’t seem to shake it off, to terminate it.

So how are we to continue this way? We don’t think it possible. Intolerable. But there’s nothing we can do to change our situation. Then what? No choice; we have to live with the difficulty. Stress and anxiety, worry and tension become a daily challenge. The pressure of fulfilling our responsibilities at work, home, and faith community remains a constant. How do we cope?

One person living with this pressure gave some practical advice. He discovered that deep breathing exercises, getting massage therapy, redirecting his nervous energy into some physical activity, like jogging, working out at the gym, or swimming, was not only healthy but reduced his anxiety level to something more tolerable. With more thought we can add to the list: listening to music or, for those of us who can, playing a musical instrument, seeing a movie or play, socializing with friends, playing games (some are into electronic gaming, others find board games or cards pleasurable, and, especially among Asians, playing mahjong). A mini-vacation can be beneficial. Or a day trip to the local botanical garden, lake or some body of water, or the beach, in other words, some place scenic that could take our breath away. Nature is God’s gift. We should receive it with gratitude and enjoy it to the fullest. That’s what God wants. And, at the same time, we ought to see the Creator behind the beautiful, breath-taking creation. We should thank him for his gift. It shows his kindness, goodness, and generosity. His gift draws us closer to him.

Residents in Japan practice of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” that involves walking in the forest to improve health and mood. It’s “forest therapy”. Recent studies confirm that time spent in a forest can result in a more relaxed and healthy wellbeing. The practice offers physical and mental benefits. It reduces the stress hormone cortisol and boosts the immune system. These studies identified several distinct benefits of walking in the forest. Dr. Marlynn Wei, psychiatrist and therapist, mentions the following benefits: (1) reduced anxiety and negative feelings, for example, anger and fatigue; (2) relaxing or calming; (3) antidepressant; (4) improved immunity.

Realization of the benefits of the forest, of nature in general, provides us an important factor to consider when we deliberate about how to endure the pressures, stress, anxieties of work and life. Spending time in nature has a healing effect; it can calm our nerves, remove the disturbing thoughts and feelings at least temporarily, as we enjoy the natural beauty. It helps us face the challenges when we return to our daily routine and responsibilities. We can enjoy nature alone or with company; either option offers benefits. Let’s add an additional advantage offered by nature. If it heals us, make us stronger and healthier, and especially if it draws us closer to God, then nature is a conduit by which we approach God with thankfulness, a sense of wonder and awe, and a greater appreciation of God’s beauty and majesty reflected in his glorious creation.

The Bible gives a glimpse of nature’s role in our relationship with God. Psalm 19, verses 1 through 6 proclaim: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech; they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.”

Nature functions like a huge billboard for all to see, revealing what God has done. Nature does not use human language but employs a language of its own that anyone may readily understand. Nature’s glory points to God’s glory. The sun, our major source of light, warmth, and life, traces a daily trajectory over the skies. God is behind the sun’s regularity, dependable, predictable in always being there. Even if clouds shield the sun from our view, we still believe that it exists and that, when the clouds eventually part, we will see it again, enjoying the benefits it offers. The sun’s steadfast presence and provision points to God’s presence and provision for all our needs. Thus, nature draws us closer to God in gratitude and facilitates our relationship with him, confident in his faithful sustenance.

If God controls the sun and the universe operates as it has for countless of centuries, we can be assured that God cares because of his gift to us of nature. Nature reminds us that God is present, overseeing all things. We don’t have to like our predicament but we can be certain God is in control and values us.

Next time we will look at the question of resignation or reform when facing what’s unsatisfactory about life and work. But for now, I close episode 13 of our series on work, career, and vocation. Until then have a safe and fulfilling day.

Questions and Comments

1. Is your life stressful now? What is causing you stress?

2. Does recalling God’s promises provide for you assurance and relief? Why or why not?

3. What practical ways do you have to relieve your stress?