Proverbs 14:32
The
expression “to hit rock bottom” is used when someone has exhausted their
resources, usually in a foolish or wasteful pursuit, and now has nowhere to
turn for help. It often happens with those who pursue addictive behaviors. They
burn all their bridges with those who might have been there in this moment of
despair. They have cheated and lied so many times, promising that this time it
will be different, that they are changed, that no one believes them.
Our
proverb describes the wicked at the bottom. They have no one to whom they can
turn. Their behavior has separated them from whatever help that exists in their
life. They are alone. They are defeated. Their resources are depleted.
The
truly sad thing is that for the wicked, their current situation could have been
avoided. They could have made different choices. They could have chosen
righteousness.
One
of the difficult balancing acts when it comes to the downtrodden is deciding
when to help and when to step back and allow them to step up. My guiding principle
is that we should not do anything that they are capable of doing themselves. If
we are, we are robbing them of the dignity of growth. This is called “toxic
charity” and needs to be avoided.
Our
system now rewards people who do nothing. If they begin to do a little bit for
themselves then the system takes away benefits, making their situation worse.
It should be the other way around. Work should be rewarded. Almost everyone
could do something to get benefits. Organizations are always needed volunteers,
and often have difficulty recruiting them. This is a cultural pickle.
When
the righteous hit rock bottom, they continue to look up. Their life is one of
surrender and dependence on God. There is not delusion of self-sufficiency.
They know that whatever they have they have received from God, including the
strength to work and earn money.
Recently
I have been reminded again that life is extremely fragile. Something the size
of a pencil lead causes me daily problems. The doctors say it should not be a
problem, and yet every day it is. And there is almost nothing I can do about
it. Something so small has radically changed my life. I have allowed fear to
grip me. Yikes, what a mess.
But
even in this, the LORD is faithful. No matter what happens, He is good. I sense
His presence with me in new and refreshing ways. I am excited about the future,
even if my future is very different from what I dreamed.