Perhaps
literal prisoners are the ones that can relate most to this. However, anyone
living in a figurative prison of restriction can also appreciate this. These may include
those who are suffering with physical limitations due to health and/or age.
Also, anyone who feels helplessly, hopelessly trapped (imprisoned) in a
relationship or situation that has them living less than an ideal life.
Tolerating oppression, prejudice, discrimination, or profiling that
pigeon-holes you is also part of this. When we
are robbed even of dignity and worth, what can help us to hold on? As overly
simplistic as it may sound, here are some points I have found of value:
1. Pray often. Remember that in God's eyes, each of us has value and is precious. Whatever we
are going through, he can undo it. Even if we die within this lifetime, there is
always the hope of the resurrection when times will be much better.
2. Work on
your personal development and relationship both with your creator and others.
Joseph (son of Jacob, administrator of Egypt's food-stuffs during an extended
famine) was a prime example of this. Before being elevated to that high office,
he endured being sold by his own jealous brothers, transported far from everyone he knew by his vagabond slave owners, resold in Egypt, falsely accused
of attempting to rape the wife of his boss, thrown into a prison and waiting
for years before anything happened to change the situation. Even though the
apostle Paul lived hundreds of years later, his advice seemed to sum up what
Joseph seemed to instinctively know. Paul wrote (at 1 Thessalonians 4:11)
"make it YOUR aim to live quietly and to mind YOUR own business and work
with YOUR hands..." Also look for the lessons that you can use in your own
life as you read the Bible just as we are encouraged at Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom
is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire
understanding."
3. When
(if) your situation does take a turn for the better, do not bitterly, vengefully try to get even or arrogantly feel that now you can treat others
poorly. Take the advice God's word gives us at Micah 6:8, "He has told
you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you
but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with
your God?"
4. Ask not
for positions of honor or prestige, but for the wisdom to live not only a godly
life for yourself, but also to help others cope with their challenges. Strive to be
modest and learn what true wisdom is. More than seeking acknowledgement from others, focus on approval
from your God.
5. Find
joy in little things--music, the flight of a bird, the beauty of a flower. If
possible, take up a hobby BECAUSE it gives your mind something positive to
focus on, some small thing to look forward to. Think how you can be an encouragement to others--seeing a smile on
the face of someone that you said a kind word to, will also lift your spirits
and make you feel a real sense of joy and worth.
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