My hope is built on nothing less

The year 2020 was probably an unprecedented and eventful year for many, with the Covid-19 pandemic and the Circuit Breakers imposed. Even as these events unfurled, the banking organisation that I was in also announced a massive global restructuring and costs cutting exercise impacting 35,000 jobs.

In the following months after the initial announcement of the restructuring, and as the new organisational structure took shape in the different levels, I started  to see the impact of this exercise creeping up as impacted colleagues and friends started leaving the organisation.

Very soon, it would come to impact the level that I was in. Having to reapply, interview and compete for fewer job roles, was a stressful and difficult time, and this was exacerbated with the feeling of isolation having to work from home. The practical realities of losing my job and worries about providing for the family also started to creep in, resulting in anxiety and sleepless nights. I was going around frantically looking for other job roles internally or externally, speaking to colleagues and recruiters, but opportunities were few as many financial institutions were also restructuring.

However, it was also at this point in time that I knew that I had to cling on to God who is in control, and I was reminded of this timeless hymn by Edward Mote, who understood the importance of placing our trust in Christ and a secure foundation:

“My hope is built on nothing less,

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.“

One of the bible passages that ministered to me is Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God”, where God was telling me to let go of trying to do things and to just come in quietness in His presence as He was bigger than me, and to surrender to Him. And in these times of reading God’s Word and being “still” in my quiet time with Him, I started to experience a sense of peace knowing that God is in control, and whatever the outcome was, God was in control of the entire situation. I also found continual support from my old school buddy and my SG who would keep me in constant prayer and text me bible verses of encouragement.

Even when I was preparing for the impending internal job interviews for the new roles, God was indeed in control and colleagues would willingly provide me with reference materials and guidance. In the end, by God’s grace, I was successful in securing a new role, and it even came with larger responsibilities. All glory to God!

Having gone through this small chapter in my life, and regardless of the outcome for my job, I have indeed experienced God’s grace and assurance that He is bigger than me and is in control, and I have to trust and surrender to Him, for Christ is our firm foundation.

Everyone of us goes through the ups and downs on life’s highway. Many of us want to trust God. When times are good, it can feel easier. But when times feel difficult, it is even more important to trust God – His unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain.

By brother Lim Sheng Chin