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Life is like a roller coaster…sometimes it’s uphill and sometimes it’s downhill and I’m really not sure which one is better!! (Neither one sound like that much fun, do they?)
Traveling all of those hills can get exhausting. Trampling up or down can sometimes become too painful. Sometimes the stresses seem too overwhelming and the sorrow as we climb or slide down is too hurtful.
Overall, life can be hard – on a regular basis. Life can be tragic, sad, horrific (all you have to do is watch the news), heartbreaking and devastating. (It can be lots of good stuff, too, but today we are focusing on the pain…sorry!)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1Peter 4:12-13
DO NOT GIVE UP.
In fact, if you can praise God during the tough times, you’ll find that the overbearing load gets a little lighter.
Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1
Praising God while we are in the middle of painful circumstances is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. However, it IS DOABLE.
Why should we praise God? Well, here’s a sneak peek into His awesomeness:
- God created everything. (Colossians 1:16)
- God is worthy of our praise. (1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
- God is perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
- God loves us. (Romans 5:8)
- God gave himself for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
God is GOOD all the time.
No, I cannot explain why there is pain and suffering, but I can explain where strength, courage, joy, hope and love come from. God will grant us all of these blessings if we will ask for them.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Praise God and allow Him to lighten your load today!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 14:26 – In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
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