Hope In Pain
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:4-5, New International Version).
How do you handle disappointments; shame; self-guilt; loss of material things and loss of loved ones? I have experienced a bit of it all but, in the midst of all these, I have tried to put my trust in God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).
What do you do when you find yourself in a bad situation? The normal first reaction is to be sad, lose hope and complain to friends and acquaintances about the pain and hurt sometimes while weeping and sobbing. Job's reaction was different. His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said (Job 2:9-10).
it is only our God who knows the end from the beginning. It is better to continue to seek God's face even in the midst of misfortunes than to keep Him aside. The puzzle will definitely be solved one day by God and there can be a better tomorrow. That is why one cannot afford to give up in the midst of calamities. Brethren, going into depression or feeding negative thoughts including terminating one's life should never be considered as a way out of all the negative happenings. There is a God who can lift us up. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:6-8).
How far can man look in the time of pain? Can we look beyond the present and focus on God's plan for the future. The focus must always be on God. He knows everything and every direction. God's path is always clearer. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:23-26).
The LORD is also our defence, fortitude and strength. We can rely on Him for His Great Support! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1-3). The spiritual fence around us is definitely enough to sustain man in the midst of the uproar.
Out of the intensity of fire comes the purified nuggets of gold. The outcome of the excruciating pang of labour pains is the birth of beautiful babies. We need to wait for the appearance of God's Glory that will radiate peace and comfort after all the ordeals. The help that can actually lift one up only comes from above. I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:1-4).
Our LORD is still speaking In the midst of one's loneliness and unfortunate situations. It may appear that all is gone but look up to His Majesty. The Lord is standing somewhere watching and waiting to help us. Pain tends to wear out the body, soul and mind but we cannot afford to lose heart and be totally crushed. For the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 b).
By faith, there is always a green light that encourages one to a move into one's destiny. It is deadly and not advisable to remain at a stationary position for life. Stagnation normally weakens a man and this can make one to be unproductive. Definitely there could be some chaos as God has not promised a smooth sail but He guarantees His Help. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Let us continue to fight the battle with faith hoping for the best. The earthly journey will surely end one day but let us hang in there; believing that our joy rests on our dependency on Jesus Christ who guarantees our joy. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).
We should look beyond the ordinary and have a positive outlook in the midst of storm. May we continue to seek and trust God as we move on in life.
How do you handle disappointments; shame; self-guilt; loss of material things and loss of loved ones? I have experienced a bit of it all but, in the midst of all these, I have tried to put my trust in God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).
What do you do when you find yourself in a bad situation? The normal first reaction is to be sad, lose hope and complain to friends and acquaintances about the pain and hurt sometimes while weeping and sobbing. Job's reaction was different. His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said (Job 2:9-10).
it is only our God who knows the end from the beginning. It is better to continue to seek God's face even in the midst of misfortunes than to keep Him aside. The puzzle will definitely be solved one day by God and there can be a better tomorrow. That is why one cannot afford to give up in the midst of calamities. Brethren, going into depression or feeding negative thoughts including terminating one's life should never be considered as a way out of all the negative happenings. There is a God who can lift us up. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:6-8).
How far can man look in the time of pain? Can we look beyond the present and focus on God's plan for the future. The focus must always be on God. He knows everything and every direction. God's path is always clearer. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:23-26).
The LORD is also our defence, fortitude and strength. We can rely on Him for His Great Support! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1-3). The spiritual fence around us is definitely enough to sustain man in the midst of the uproar.
Out of the intensity of fire comes the purified nuggets of gold. The outcome of the excruciating pang of labour pains is the birth of beautiful babies. We need to wait for the appearance of God's Glory that will radiate peace and comfort after all the ordeals. The help that can actually lift one up only comes from above. I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:1-4).
Our LORD is still speaking In the midst of one's loneliness and unfortunate situations. It may appear that all is gone but look up to His Majesty. The Lord is standing somewhere watching and waiting to help us. Pain tends to wear out the body, soul and mind but we cannot afford to lose heart and be totally crushed. For the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 b).
By faith, there is always a green light that encourages one to a move into one's destiny. It is deadly and not advisable to remain at a stationary position for life. Stagnation normally weakens a man and this can make one to be unproductive. Definitely there could be some chaos as God has not promised a smooth sail but He guarantees His Help. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Let us continue to fight the battle with faith hoping for the best. The earthly journey will surely end one day but let us hang in there; believing that our joy rests on our dependency on Jesus Christ who guarantees our joy. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).
We should look beyond the ordinary and have a positive outlook in the midst of storm. May we continue to seek and trust God as we move on in life.
