Surviving with Joy

In this life, we only have three guarantees.

Two of those are the facts that we will die and that we will have to pay taxes. So, what is the third? The final guarantee we are granted when born into this world isn’t probably what you would expect it to be. While dying and paying taxes are pretty obvious, the third might surprise you with its proof of surety.  And as another surprise, this guarantee is actually the worst of the three! Sure, you could say that death is a pretty tragic event, but in reality, death isn’t supposed to be that bad, right? Eternal, perfect life doesn’t sound too terrible to me! Okay, so maybe I should alter my statement a little: As a Christian, death is not the worst of the three guarantees. So, if death isn’t regarded as the most horrific surety in life, what terrible tragedy awaits us as our final guarantee?

Hardships…

…are one of the many things that will depress a person. Not only can hardships depress, but they can ultimately destroy a person. Every person has encountered such hardships. From the poorest of people, to the most popular celebrity, everyone has been struck by such difficulties. I personally have been in the midst of such miserable trials. Many months back my second cousin died after falling out of his crib. He was 2 years old.  Even popular movie characters have encountered similar hardships. Spider-Man encountered several. He lost his father-like uncle, he lost his reputation, he lost his best friend, and he lost hope. The first of hardships began with Adam and Eve. After disobeying God, Adam and Eve were sent from the garden, cursed and depressed. Surely that was a hardship. Throughout the Bible, people have encountered hardships. Hebrews 12 preaches on trials and how to approach them. Job endured some of the worst types of sufferings. He lost his fortune, his family, and he became deathly ill.  Why do these hardships occur? Why does God allow them? Should we questioning God’s intentions? But even more important: Should we praise God during times of trials, tribulations, hardships, or depressions?

Let’s Find Out!

In Hebrews 12:8 we are told, “If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” God requires us to be disciplined! Why would He want that? If we are His chosen people, why would He discipline us? Hebrews 12:2 also says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” We encounter hardships, just as Jesus did! And guess what? We are supposed to suffer the same way; for joy! Sounds crazy, no? God’s people are supposed to suffer…for joy. It’s almost like an oxymoron.

What about Job? With the authority of God, Satan tested and tortured Job even though Job didn’t deserve it. However, through those hardships, even though Job stayed true to God, he still made a mistake. He thought he was perfect. While talking to his friends, Job constantly pointed out that he had done no wrong. His friends thought that God was punishing him because of a sin. Job refused to admit he had committed any sin. Even though Job’s friends were wrong about God’s discipline, God still supplied the answer.

Elihu was a Godly young man who had been listening into the conversation and was very disturbed by the matter. Once the friends of Job had finished speaking, Elihu offered his opinion. In Job 36:22-25 Elihu says, “Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong’. Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise. Everyone has seen these things, though only from a distance.” Elihu offered a simple, yet perfect solution to Job’s error. Learn from God’s discipline, don’t question His intentions, and always, always, praise Him. And that’s what we ought to do during trials and tribulations. Praise God!

Think of Daniel in the lion‘s den. Daniel prayed, worshiped God, and the lion’s mouths were shut! Paul sang to God in prison and the jail doors opened! The Israelites marched around Jericho, praising God for seven days and they were victorious over the city! There are numerous other stories that all have the same message: Praise God during trials and tribulations. Even though walls may not fall down physically, God can still use the praise to do great things.

So Remember…

…Hebrews 12 says we’re being disciplined and, like Christ, should suffer with joy. Remember that Job was wrong by blaming God and questioning God’s intentions. Remember Elihu’s lesson to learn from hardships, and to praise God. Remember God’s promise in 1^st Corinthians 10:13, “…God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” Should we praise God during times of trials, tribulation, hardship, or depression? Yes, because not only will it encourage us, but it also proves to make miracles in the deepest of dark situations. As a guarantee in life, this one would have to be my favorite. Although it can prove itself the worst by providing trying situations, this surety of life provides us with the best opportunity to serve Christ. What could be better than that? Serving Christ through hardships results with us giving the most possible glorification to God, a goal that is tough to achieve!

Chris Rice, in his song, “Cry to Jesus” says this, “There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken heart. There is grace, and forgiveness, mercy and healing. He’ll meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus.” Praising God during hardships results in the transforming of our minds. It helps us to further understand God’s purpose; His teaching.