FACING DEFFICULT TIMES

A woman facing difficult times

You know, our human nature is to be happy when things are going our way and to be sad when things do not go as planned. When things go our way, we tend to be relaxed, reward ourselves and our family with something good, do some personal or family development, and plan for the future. In those times, it's easy for our mind and thoughts to be relaxed and focused by maintaining proper concentration.

On the contrary, when things go against us, we tend to sulk, cry, beat some walls and punch and kick some empty air, scream, blame others or mostly ourselves, and lack peace of mind. The fight between different thoughts in our mind wages on as you try to figure out what you should do next to get out of that negative situation. Some tend to isolate themselves away from their loved ones in order to find space to think and figure things out. Others talk to their friends and family for comfort and assistance. That's just us being human. If you haven't acted in one of those ways in those two opposite situations, then perhaps you will one day.

Even Jesus had that moment too, and He sought comfort from His disciples by asking them if they could spend more time with Him in prayer. He cried, and His spirit was deeply troubled, for His hour had finally come (Matthew 26:38-40). That's what it means to be human—both good and bad hours will happen, and you will humanly react in a certain way. It's life's status quo.

The question is: does it have to be that way? Of course not. The Bible says: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). That is, God expects us to act differently in those two opposite circumstances. As the Bible says, we do not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Meaning, in everything that we do, and no matter what the situation turns out to be, those who are in Christ should face the world with hope. Hope that life has been given different seasons under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1). If you are in a good moment, you have to know that bad seasons will come too, and you have to be prepared that He who started every good work in you will neither leave you nor forsake you, and He will finish whatever He started with you, regardless of what seasons you find yourself in (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 13:5). That is the hope that He wants you to have in Christ.

When you are in a bad season, of course it's okay to feel down, but God wants you to remember that you are not going to be destroyed. Nothing shall happen nor be taken away from you because you have an eternal and abundant life in Christ Jesus. He Himself said: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Whatever it is, be hopeful that you will live and experience an abundant life someday. Jesus also said: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). So in Christ, no matter how long the situation lasts, have hope that one day you will overcome.

In addition, renewing our mind means also to change our attitude toward circumstances. God wants us to have an attitude of praise and gratitude all the time. Job not only worshipped God faithfully when he had plenty, but he also worshipped God when trouble came, knowing His ways. When confronted, Job said: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). We have got to unconditionally praise God for everything. Paul said: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). He urges us to give thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). You may say, "Well, it's easy to say. You don't know what I'm going through." Of course I don't know. What I know is that when Paul went to prison together with Silas, as hard as it was, they chose to worship and give thanks to God. They sang songs of praise in the midst of their trouble, and the prison gates opened (Acts 16:25-26). Their praise and worship in the midst of trouble became their breakthrough. May you praise and gratitude turn into your breakthrough today.

Have the attitude of praise and gratitude at all times. Give thanks to God always, in all circumstances.

May the Lord bless you.