“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NKJV) 

“For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one
as well as the other.
Therefore, no one can discover
anything about their future.” Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)

Dear One,

Our life on earth will have times of hardship and tribulation, but there will also be times of joy and prosperity.  We do not know what each new day will bring, but we do know that God will walk alongside us every step of the way.  Our God loves balanced scales and would not ask us to endure only drudgery and pain as we work out our salvation on earth.  There will be reprieves from sorrow and pain.

John 16:33 says we will have struggles IN THIS WORLD.  We have the promised hope of heaven, our eternal home, where strife will not exist. But as we are not yet home, and we live as aliens in this world, we can expect challenging times balanced with times of peace and joy.

There are many benefits and blessings to be acquired during difficult life challenges.  We grow more dependent on our God, spend more time in prayer, rough edges are smoothed out, and faith often grows. Intimacy with Christ deepens as our personal relationship with Him becomes more dependent.  We learn we need more of Him and less of us through each trial we face.  God strengthens us and perseverance enables us to weather our difficulty, thus equipping us for the next trial ahead.

But joy will come in the morning.  We can look forward to times with friends and family, falling in love, births, graduations, and even vacations.

We have a responsibility to check our attitudes.  Are we joyful and happy only when we get something or things go our way?  Could we not practice looking around us and finding joy in the beauty God has provided?  A simple rose, no two the same, is fragrant and lovely.  A soft wind that cools the day, a hug from a child, and a conversation from a friend are simple pleasures. 

If you find yourself in a difficult time, you have the promise of two things. First, your life in heaven will be lived with no more tears or sorrow and second, your trial on earth will eventually give way to a time of joy and peace.  Seasons come and seasons go, so once a bad spell passes and a good time comes along, you can expect the season to change again and again throughout your lifetime.

Thankfully, GOD NEVER CHANGES. He is the same today and will be the same tomorrow. He was faithful to you in younger days, and will be faithful in your golden ones.

Make your way through each day one at a time.  Ask friends to pray for you when you are down, and offer to lift someone up when you are in a season of rest or tranquility. In fact, make an effort to give and serve during your times of hardship too.  You will always receive blessings when you help another person in need and your selfless act will help to get your eyes off your circumstances.  Keeping your eyes on God in good times and bad times will bless your Creator and give Him glory. 

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

“A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern.”  Proverbs 16:11 (NAS)