When we are in trouble

[arunangelo]

When we are in trouble
When the storms of earthly misfortunes destroy our stability and security, and there is no one to help us, we feel very alone and helpless. Even our prayers and meditations seem to become sterile and fruitless. Our cries seem like, they go unheard and our faith begins to crumble. Even our friends begin to say, “Why doesn’t God help him�. However, this is the time when our heart can find victory in God; because, this is the time when we are most likely to become humble and surrender our will to him. This allows us to accept God’s help; and turn our life around. We should, therefore, seize this opportunity by surrendering our will totally to God. This means that we are open to whatever God asks of us; and at all time live for God, by focusing our attention on the needs of others, rather than our own. Furthermore, we must keep this resolve alive in our heart by constantly meditating on God's love for us. We must accept the fact that, if the world and everyone in it fails us, God will never fail us; because in his infinite love, he sacrificed his life for us.

[elphidium55]

this is the time when we are most likely to become humble and surrender our will to him.

If the christian god exists, then I predict judgement day for "non-christians" will be short and brutal. On that day, God will rear up before them in all his power and wrath. "Worship me!" he will demand. To which the non-christians will proclaim "I cannot. You are not worthy of worship." To which God, in his anger, will replay "Go to hell!"

[Zzyzx]

.

When the storms of earthly misfortunes destroy our stability and security, and there is no one to help us, we feel very alone and helpless.

Speak for yourself. Many of us do not feel 'very alone and helpless' in the face of adversity. We realize that it is our responsibility, and that of others around us, to deal with the matter. Cooperative efforts are often essential.

No gods or prayers are required.

If stranded on a rooftop in rising flood waters, take your choice -- someone with a motorboat OR prayers and no motorboat?

[elphidium55]

When the storms of earthly misfortunes destroy our stability and security, and there is no one to help us, we feel very alone and helpless.

This seems objectively true. Humans need a measure of stability and security in order to flourish. We are a social species who depend, in part, on others for our well being. Belonging is the antidote for loneliness and helplessness, not some invisible friend.

Does the loss of stability and security make us more virtuous? My answer is -- not necessarily. Yes, there are cases where some misfortune brings into focus our shortcomings. There is nothing like reaping the consequences of our bad decisions to teach us to make better ones. On the other hand, not all misfortune are beneficial for us. I am reminded of holocaust survivors whose experiences in the camps rendered them forever unable to believe in God.

There is a peculiar form of misfortune that christianity depends upon. God sends us trials and tribulations so that we might surrender ourselves to him. Christians construct a false dichotomy that says "If we are not living only for god, we are only living for ourselves." The ideal christian is someone who has been buffeted, battered and bullied to the point where say to god "Thy will be done."