Chaplain's Corner
RUOK?
Thursday 9 September is RUOK Day. A day when we are encouraged to stop, and check-in with one another and open up the channels of communication. To help our neighbour. To make a conscious decision to find out, are they okay? Are they really okay?
When Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, we see someone taking a detour from their busy day-to-day, toings and froings. He stopped to check on a man who was laying on the road, to see if he was okay. It might seem obvious to stop for someone who is clearly in distress, beaten and lying bleeding on the ground. Yet interestingly, this man was the only one to stop.
I wonder then, if a work colleague, a friend, or relative, who may offer signs that are less obvious that they are struggling, or feeling battered and bruised, exhausted, exacerbated, distressed … would we know? Then, if we did, would we offer assistance? I pray, Lord give us eyes to see, ears to hear and wisdom to identify those in our lives who need our prayers and our assistance. Help us to know how to help.
The truth is, it’s okay not to always be okay. There are, simply, times that get us down. As we sift through the pages of Scripture, we find time and time again, people calling out to God in pain, in distress. There is a whole book dedicated to Lamentations! A whole book dedicated to the humiliation, suffering, and despair of Jerusalem and her people following the destruction of the city by the Babylonians. The book of Psalms is filled with beautiful songs of joy and praise, but also lament. The psalmist was not too shy to cry out to God when life was tough.
In tough times, it helps to remember that God is always there and He is ready to help carry your burdens. Not only does God understand and see you in the centre of your pain, but He is available for you, listening and ready as you cry out your heartache, anger, or sadness. God sees our moments of pain. He knows our hearts, and He listens when we cry for relief. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
We have the opportunity, also, to be God’s hands and feet. To be our neighbours’ servant, to listen and to hear, to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Perhaps we just need to be more purposeful in seeking out and being aware of those divine moments, those God given opportunities to be that help.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
One of the ways you can demonstrate your love for the Lord is to be compassionate and caring towards those you encounter. Even small gestures can mean a great deal. Being God’s hands and feet can be as simple as having an uplifting conversation with someone or lending emotional support to a friend who is going through a tough time.
Of course, we often don’t know if someone is going through a tough time, unless we ask. So this RUOK Day, why not step slightly out of your comfort zone and check in with someone. Ask the question, ‘Are you okay?’ Perhaps press a little, ‘Are you really okay?’ Take the time then, to have a meaningful conversation and if the opportunity arises, ask if you can pray for them. Funnily enough, it’s rare that someone will deny you that opportunity, most people figure, ‘Hey, I can do with all the help I can get!’
One initiative this week has been a virtual encouragement wall. Students have been encouraged to write some words of encouragement, a Bible verse, prayer, or a quote to help inspire others and spread some positivity.
God bless,
Pastor Matt Daly