Life is Hard (and then you die)

 

Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Psalm 25:6

 

Life is hard and then you die. I can remember hearing (and saying) this as a child.

There seems to be some “theology” out there that says that a Christian  will only know prosperity and blessings. I know this is not true for my life, and have been praying for other Christians facing all sorts of difficulties.

According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Lately, it seems we are facing more and more such commonalities with others in difficult circumstances. Decisions can be scary to make; financial, political, educational, vocational, etc. Physical and emotional health hangs in the balance of being convinced we are headed in the right direction – or not. Family and friends have differing opinions they are not afraid to voice. It feels like conflict but they say they are trying to help.

There are so many more places to see what others think; the internet, social media, and people on the street speaking out about their causes. We hear how wrong they think we are. Social media (emphasis on the “media”) seems to be there to provoke us to think about things that would normally not be on our radar. It can make us wonder where God is in it all.

Sometimes I just need a break from all the chatter.

In his commentary on 1 Samuel, Dale Davis said, “Sometimes, the clearest evidence that God has not deserted us in our troubles is NOT that we have successfully gotten through our trials but that we’re still on our feet in the middle of them!” God does not promise us a life of ease; He promises that He will be with us through the trials.

Are you, too, at a point where it seems like all of life is one big trial? Is there too much to think about? Are there too may opinions to weigh?

Dale Davis’ book taught me to always look for what God is doing in any and all circumstances. He is always there and He is always at work. We may not be able to discern what He is doing in the beginning, but if we pray, He will reveal Himself to us.

So, in politics, in the battle against abortion, in the fight many are waging to wake up the church to her complacency, even in our own families and growing our own faith; what is God doing? He is always at work.

Will you look for the blessings of God in all of your circumstances? Will you ask Him what He is trying to teach you?  Will you thank Him for His presence in the trials?

Life is hard. But, God is good. He steadfast loves endures forever.