Praising in the midst of troubling times is not something that comes naturally. It takes effort from us, but the fruits of those efforts are worth it. Praising in our suffering produces perseverance, character and hope. In perseverance we learn how to continue on in our lives without cowering to the world. Instead we stand strong with God. As our character is developed, we gain a willingness to stick with things to see them through. We are not faint of heart, but rather we are able to show the heart of God in how we carry ourselves. Through hope we have trust and witness God pouring into our lives abundantly. When we praise in hard times we are able to practice patience. Patience gives us experience that we can learn from. Those experiences give us a new perspective that will give us hope for all that is yet to come.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV
Counting our troubles as joy can be even more difficult to comprehend. In order for us to accept the difficulties in our lives with gratitude we must relinquish our understanding of the ways of the world. Our human nature and the world tells us to run from troubles. However, when we count them as joy, as the scripture says, we are grown and stretched to a new capacity. When we are grown and developed in this way we are left wanting nothing. We are able to feel full and at peace with our position in life. This way of being will mature all the fruits of the Spirit that show God to others through us. Things like love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Having the ability to showcase these qualities is what disciples more of our neighbors and shares the love of God.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Write down the troubles you are facing today. Are you praising Him in the midst of them?
- Remember a past experience that shaped you. Write out what that experience taught you and you apply today.
A Story of Being Developed:
My daughter and I are struggling financially. I am 64 and will be 65 soon. At this point in my life I should be close to retiring. My house will be paid for in one year. But my daughter, who is 31, had to stop working because of pseudoseizures developed from trauma in her life.
Bills are going unpaid or we are barely making minimum payments and late payments. I have prayed to God for answers and things just seem to get worse, yet we persist.
I continue to work 60 hours a week and when I am off I work around the house. I spend as little as I can. God is developing me. We trust He will provide.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
