A close friend of mine recently shared how they were stressed out about their looming exams. Totally exhausted, they longed to reach the freedom at the end of the tunnel.
It reminded me of how demanding life can be. It often feels like challenges are continuously being thrown our way and we tirelessly navigate through various tests and trials. From troubles at school or uni, to struggling to find a new job or to fit in in a new environment, it’s clear there are moments when life can really suck.
Even in our tough times, there are certain truths that we should cling to.
God is always by your side
Our circumstances can seem so overwhelming that we end up feeling crushed and alone. We try to call out to God, but we don’t hear his voice of comfort or feel his cloak of peace. Job in the Bible knew exactly what this felt like.
I don’t think that I’ve ever heard of a human being going through as much as he did! He lost his family, his wealth, his livestock and his health rapidly deteriorated. It came to a point when he felt completely abandoned by God.
However, God quickly reminded Job that he was far from alone. God was way bigger than his circumstances. Even in our murkiest gloomiest times, the Father is right there in the thick of it all.
God sees the bigger picture
I once heard someone compare life’s struggles to a violent storm. Everything’s flying wildly around us and we find ourselves stuck in the middle and unable to manage it all. Although from our outlook things are completely out of control, God’s perspective is totally different.
I often imagine him watching over our lives from a bird’s eye view. He doesn’t just see our difficult circumstances, but also the joys and triumphs that lie ahead of us!
Hardship produces perseverance
James 1 encourages us to view trials in a positive light as they help to strengthen our faith and make us more resilient. Think back to all the times when you’ve endured a difficult circumstance and successfully gotten through it. It makes us tougher, helps us to depend on God that little bit more, and ultimately shapes us as individuals. In the words of Kelly Clarkson, what doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger!
Joy always comes in the morning
Know that whatever you’re going through won’t last forever. Even if something feels way too big for you to ever get through or deal with, I promise you that things do get easier. Though weeping may last for a night, rejoicing comes in the morning! [Psalm 30:5].
1 comment
Really good message!