Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.     Philippians 4:4 ESV

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.    Romans 5:3 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Adhering to what Paul wrote in these verses is not easy. When we consider all Paul went through after his conversion on the road to Damascus, we see that he not only wrote these through divine inspiration but he lived them. Instead of crying when he was imprisoned he chose to praise God through singing hymns. He chose to write some of these letters that we read in our Bibles today.

It’s not easy to always rejoice especially during times of suffering. It’s not easy to always pray especially when our hearts are broken or we are angry. And giving thanks when things are going horribly wrong is something I am still trying to master at times.

I love the Lord with all my heart, I do, but there are times when I feel like I’m being pounded by golf ball sized hail. I know we must suffer. I get that. It just doesn’t make it any easier. When it feels like your heart has been ripped out of your chest, it’s hard to be thankful.

But this is what we are called to do as mature Christians. Romans 5:3 tells us suffering produces endurance.

James 1:2 says to count is as joy when we face all kinds of trials because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness and to let steadfastness have its full effect so we can be complete, or mature and lacking in nothing.

Trials and tribulations are how we grow as Christians. You might say they are our growing pains. No one wants to face hard times but this is what we will do until Jesus calls us home. Our life on earth will be a series of difficult times sprinkled with some fun and enjoyable times.

As mature Christians, however, we should maintain a steadiness of hope and joy. We should have peace in difficult times. How do we do this? We take our negative thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Instead of thinking we are doomed, we see this for what it is, a chance to learn and grow.

While this is the hardest thing to do as a Christian as far as I’m concerned, I am learning how to do it. I am learning to focus on my blessings. I am learning to see this as an opportunity for growth. I am learning to accept it as a lesson to be learned.

It doesn’t mean my heart doesn’t ache when trials come my way. It just means I understand God has a reason for it. I also accept that He is working while I am waiting. I believe in Romans 8:28 which tells me God works all things for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. So, I keep loving the Lord with all my heart and doing what He has called me to do. I also realize these tribulations are sometimes meant to distract us and interrupt us from doing what God calls us to do and we must not let that happen.

And when the going gets tough I focus on Jesus. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on all that is good and Jesus is good.

And remember Colossians 3:2 which tells us to set our minds on things that are above not the things of this earth. This earth and the people in it will let you down. The Bible warns us of this. This is why we must stay in close relationship with God through Bible study and prayer.

Lean on Him not on your own understanding and He will guide you on the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6). And when it’s time to be still and be quiet (Psalm 46:10), he will let you know this as well.

Focus on Him and let Him lead and grow up even though it’s hard.

Have a great day!