2019-05-19
Jeremiah 29:11 CEV
Here are three more helpful steps you can take: (1) Encourage action. Sometimes we over-function in crises, making the needy person dependent and undermining the very self-reliance that can strengthen them. One psychiatrist says, “We must do for others what they cannot do for themselves, but we must not do for them what they will not do for themselves.” Becoming proactive in a crisis arms people against despair and powerlessness. Encouraging manageable action steps builds emotional and spiritual muscle. Helping them evaluate their actions and validating their efforts rebuilds their confidence. When the crisis involves irreversible losses (like death or divorce), the work of getting through one day at a time and gradually adjusting to the changes is action enough. (2) Impart hope. Often there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel and a sense that the suffering will go on endlessly. What people need at that moment is hope. Hope brings relief based on the conviction that things will improve, and provides energy to deal with the crisis. The Bible is a book of hope. It energizes us when we feel like, “This is the worst thing imaginable. It will never get better.” (3) Do the follow-up. Crises are seldom resolved instantly. Life may soon return to a semblance of normalcy, but there may be episodes of relapse into sadness, helplessness, or loneliness. Your words may bring comfort and hope, but it’s your abiding interest that helps people to maintain their faith and progress!
Soul food: Exo 20:14; Prov 6:23-35; Matt 5:27-28; John 8:1-11
2019-05-18
2 Korintiërs 1:4 DB
In ‘n krisis sien mense dikwels nie die hulpbronne wat God aan hulle beskikbaar gestel het raak nie. Hier is drie tipes: 1) Geestelike hulpbronne. ‘God is ons toevlug en ons krag; in nood is Hy gereed om te help’ (Psalm 46:2 NLV). God verlig ons donkerte en verwarring. Sy liefde is die bron van alle bemoediging (sien 2 Korintiërs 1:3). Sy teenwoordigheid spreek ons eensaamheid en sy krag ons hulpeloosheid aan. 2) Persoonlike hulpbronne. Mense in krisis vergeet dikwels dat God hulle kragte en vermoëns gegee het wat geloof, vaardighede, herinneringe van oorwinnings in die verlede, bemagtigende houdings en aansporings insluit. Deur hulle daaraan te herinner, moedig jy hulle aan om hulle mag terug te neem. 3) Interpersoonlike hulpbronne. Die meeste mense het reeds ondersteuningstelsels; hulle moet net geaktiveer word. Daar is familielede, vriende, besigheidsvennote en bure wat gewillig is om bystand te verleen wanneer hulle gevra word. Die kerk kan ook maniere vind om die belangrikste gebod in krisistye toe te pas (sien Matteus 22:36-39). Lidmate kan uitgenooi word om te bid, geld te gee, of om praktiese bystand soos om etes te voorsien, met die kinders uit te help, te help met vervoer, ens te verleen. Mense is huiwerig om hulp te vra omdat hulle skaam is en voel dat hulle hul eie probleme moet oplos, of omdat hulle dink hulle misluk wanneer hulle bystand aanvaar. Help hulle om te verstaan dat mense graag wil help en dat hulle eendag die seëning kan terugbetaal.
Sielskos: 1 Kon 6-7; Mark 8:1-13; Ps 97; Spr 12:1-3
2 Corinthians 1:4 TM
In a crisis people often fail to see the resources that God has made available to them. Here are three types: (1) Spiritual resources. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). This “very present” God illuminates our darkness and confusion. His love is the source of all comfort (See 2 Corinthians 1:3). His presence addresses our loneliness, and His power addresses our helplessness. (2) Personal resources. People in crisis forget that God has given them strengths and abilities which include faith, skills, memories of past triumphs, empowering attitudes, and motivations. Reminding them of these encourages them to “take back their power.” (3) Interpersonal resources. Most people already have support networks; they just need to be activated. There are family members, friends, business associates, and neighbors willing to pitch in when asked. Community resources are also available for medical, financial, and material assistance. And the church can find ways to apply the “great commandment” in crisis times (See Matthew 22:36-39). Members can be invited to pray, give money, provide practical assistance like meals, help with the children, transportation, etc. People are reluctant to ask for help because they’re embarrassed and feel they should be able to handle their own problems, or think they’re failing by “accepting charity.” Help them to understand that others are happy to help, and that one day they can “return the blessing.”
Soul food: 1 Kings 6-7; Mark 8:1-13; Ps 97; Prov 12:1-3
2019-05-17
Galasiërs 6:2 DB
Jou doel moet wees om mense te help om hulle krisis te hanteer en daardeur te groei. Dit beteken dat jy hulle vlak van vrees moet verlaag en hulle moet help om weer normaal te funksioneer deur: 1) Kontak met hulle te maak. Mense in ‘n krisis neig om te onttrek eerder as om vir hulp te vra. Jy sal dus dalk die eerste skuif moet maak en begrip en opregte belangstelling moet toon. Twee eenvoudige stappe kan ‘n groot verskil maak. Luister aandagtig na hulle bekommernisse en waarnemings en behou oogkontak. Hierdie twee dinge sal hulle laat voel dat hulle waardig is en dat jy verstaan. 2) Hulle te help om hulle angs te verminder. ‘n Kalmerende teenwoordigheid kan hulle stres verlaag. Moedig hulle aan om oor hulle bekommernisse te praat en bied hoop aan. Sê byvoorbeeld: ‘Daar is maniere om hierdie situasie te hanteer.’ Die kans is goed dat die persoon se uitkyk verwronge of oorpessimisties is, stel dus ander perspektiewe voor. Byvoorbeeld: ‘Mag ek ‘n ander manier om hierna te kyk voorstel?’ Gee ook hoop vir die toekoms: ‘Ek besef dat dit moeilik is, maar met God se hulp glo ek dat jy dit sal kan hanteer.’ Gee hulle dan ‘n Bybelse belofte om dit te staaf (sien Jeremia 33:3). 3) Deur op die ware kwessie te fokus. In ‘n krisis voel mense dikwels deur die verwarrende feite, potensiële probleme en noodsaaklike besluite oorweldig. Deur aan hulle bystand te bied oor watter kwessies eerste aangepak moet word en watter probleme eerste opgelos moet word, help jy om hulle nood te verlig. Om op die hede te konsentreer, eerder as om die verlede te bespreek of oor die toekoms te bekommer, kan hulle angs verminder en hulle bemagtig om die situasie beter te hanteer.
Sielskos: 1 Kon 3-5; Mark 7:24-37; Ps 93; Spr 11:30-31
Galatians 6:2 CEV
Your aim should be to help people cope with their crisis and grow through it. This means lowering their fear level and helping them to function normally again by: (1) Making contact with them. People in crisis tend to withdraw rather than ask for help. So you may have to make that first move, showing them understanding and genuine interest. You don’t have to be a professional; two simple steps can make a big difference. Listen attentively to their concerns and perceptions, and maintain eye contact. These two things will make them feel valued and understood. (2) Helping reduce their anxiety. A calming presence can lower their stress. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and offer hope. For example, say, “There are ways to deal with this situation.” Chances are the person’s outlook is distorted or overly pessimistic, so gently suggest other perspectives. For example: “May I suggest another way of looking at this?” Whenever possible give them hope for the future: “I realize it’s tough, but with God’s help I believe you can handle it.” Then give them a Bible promise to back it up (See Jeremiah 33:3). (3) Focusing on real issues. In a crisis people are often overwhelmed by the array of confusing facts, potential problems, and necessary decisions. By offering them assistance in deciding what issues must be faced first, and what problems need to be solved now, you help alleviate their distress. Rather than discussing the past or worrying about the future, concentrating on the present and helping them take action can lessen their anxiety and empower them to cope better.
Soul food: 1 Kings 3-5; Mark 7:24-37; Ps 93; Prov 11:30-31
