My Suffering Savior, in today’s world the terrible storms of misfortune and troubles bruise, batter and discourage me. The only positive I can take from such times is my memories of how You helped me through them. In the aftermath of my struggles, I should recall these times with joy because You make me an overcomer. You have shown me that joy is possible by the fact that Your own suffering has brought joy to me through Your conquest of sin, death, and the grave. By overcoming adversity, satisfaction and fulfillment come into my life. When I am confronted with trying times, if I face them with courage and perseverance, my character finds food for growth. It is comforting to know that stressful and difficult times have their moments of joy. When I possess a proper attitude, I can experience joy in my ultimate triumphs and even some defeats.
The lesson of enduring and persevering is not an easy one to learn. In the natural, I feel there is no value in the lesson, and I try to avoid it. I find it hard to reflect on the memories of my struggles with joy. However, if I ignore them as meaningless and unfulfilling, I have complicated my life with endless bouts of hopelessness. I regret that many times I do not profit from the struggles and trials I encounter. I either curse them or just wish they would go away. My exposure to the world has filled me with a seemingly unquenchable search for happiness in everything I do. When I fail to examine all aspects of my life closely, as I should, I find myself masking my unhappiness with an outward appearance of happiness. To admit I am unhappy is like admitting failure. However, my faith reminds me that even though I face adversity, so did You and You overcame Yours with joy.
I must accept the fact that in my life I will face trials and struggles that cause me pain. I must also realize that it is possible to profit from them. I must never pretend to be happy when I am going through one of these painful situations. What I need to do is maintain a positive outlook knowing that all things work together for my good if I stay connected to You. I must consider it pure joy because of what my trials will produce in my life. I need to turn my hard times into learning experiences. Tough times teach me a lot about patience and perseverance. I will never know the depth of my character until I react under pressure. I can never be unkind if everything goes well. I must see my experiences as opportunities for growth. I know that I have succeeded when I am able to feel joy. That is why I will cling to You in all of my trials until I receive Your gift of joy. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.