This week, I’m sharing a poem titled “God-oriented vs People-oriented,” that I wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when hope seemed lost and fear, confusion, and hatred were rampant.
It was a period marked by chaos and foolishness, illustrated by the infamous toilet paper shortages that sparked heated arguments. It was disheartening to see human nature sink to such depths, yet it was a harsh reality we all faced.
To love vs hate!
Be kind vs unkind!
Gracious vs ungracious!
Forgive vs unforgiving!
Merciful vs unmerciful!
Prayerful vs worrisome!
Good vs evil!
Right vs wrong!
And the list goes on!
We know the choices!
Yet the struggle is real!
It’s challenging to be God oriented!
Easy to be people-pleasers!
Inasmuch there lies the problem!
Mankind in our quest!
To outdo each other!
Or even outsmart God!
We’re inclined to follow easy paths!
Those that lead to self-fulfilment!
We crave fleeting fame!
We seek futile happiness!
Over eternal glory and unseen rewards!
We choose people over God!
How gullible are we?
How unwise can we get?
To overlook this internal war within!
Are you God-oriented or?
Are you a people pleaser?
Set yourself apart!
And be God oriented!
~ idauhahine ~
Psalms 96:13 NIV
[13] Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness
Indeed, it’s a challenge, and I’m far from flawless. I, too, have my share of shortcomings, and there are times when I fail to show grace to those closest to me, including my loved ones and others in my life.
Furthermore, constantly being exposed to stories, news, reels, etc. about conflicts, corruption, and social issues can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness. The prevalence of negative news can create a sense of pessimism, fostering fear, anxiety, hatred even, and disillusionment.
This relentless stream of information, both good and bad, can make it challenging to maintain a positive outlook and connection to our faith journeys.
In hindsight, the pandemic’s challenging times of hopelessness, fear, doubt, and confusion reveal a profound truth: God’s steadfast presence and care were always with us, shining a light through the darkness. And even now, His constancy and love remain a beacon of hope and reassurance.
While there are many resources available on living a God-oriented life, nothing compares to the life changing power of God’s word, the Holy Bible. So, let’s keep it simple: read the Bible, reflect on God’s word daily, and pray earnestly. This simple yet powerful foundation will guide us on our spiritual journeys.
To God be the glory always 🙏❤️
Idau Hahine 