Yesterday I witnessed a breakdown. A fine man who couldn't take the struggles of life any longer broke down, cursing and wishing he didn't exist. It was a scary moment; a man twice my size flailing about, screaming, crying, and threatening me to "Get out!". He could at any time have lashed out and hit me with his fists, and I was so tempted to just let it go and get out.

Somehow, I stayed on. And I prayed for him a gentle prayer, speaking gentle words, listening with patience, all the while praying in my heart, "God help me this moment. Help me to know what to say, when to say. Help him." He calmed down, but his heart was still as hard as ever. No amount of talking, speaking of patience, love, and grace could get to him. I'm fearful he has hardened his heart even more after all the talking.

This is a story of a man spiralling down into desperation and depression. A man who cannot let go of his anger and pride. A man who wants immediate reprieve but who isn't willing to submit to God. A man who cannot see God's love on the cross, but instead curses Him and whines at his plight. What a sorry sight! It troubles my spirit to see someone I know can fall to that state, and refuse to see reason. And so, there's really nothing much that can be done further, other than prayer, and trusting in the efficacy of prayer. Because God listens, He is keen to hear, and He will provide.

How blessed I am to know God, to submit to Him and find that peace. A sublime confidence that though I have my wants in life, I am assured and certain that they will come. And all I need to do is simply trust God and go to him daily in prayer and repentance of sin. What a quiet joy I have in my heart. Oh how I have lost one of my best friends and the one I like, but in return God gives a beautiful song in this night season, and all the day long. || posted by Kuan Hui