Life is Hard…

I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know…life is hard! I’m not complaining, really, I’m not. I’m just observing that life, for most of us, has some difficulties, some unexpected twists and turns that are, well, let’s just say, uncomfortable. And let’s face it, sometimes, they are downright painful.

…But God is Good

I honestly do not know how people who only know that life is hard and not that God is good make it every day. It’s not that knowing this eliminates the “hard,” but it certainly cushions the blows. Knowing His goodness allows a perspective on difficulties and hardship that nothing else provides. 

Sometimes…Explanation

There are times when trusting in the goodness of God provides us with an explanation. Because we know He is good, we understand His providence guides us through difficult situations that will ultimately produce a positive outcome. For example, a dentist takes us through the “hard” process of drilling out a cavity or maybe even performing a root canal for the long-term good of saving a tooth. Our heavenly Father often does this. The experience He leads us through is designed to remove spiritual decay from our lives and restore our spirit. 

Sometimes…Examination

I am often too busy to “examine” my spiritual condition. My routine becomes mechanical and rushed. Introspection is a luxury I don’t allow myself. Without hitting “pause,” my life continues to play on, and one day, I realize I’ve drifted; sometimes a little and other times, a lot. That discovery generally comes after I’m stopped by something “hard.” Life’s “potholes, detours, and speed bumps” force me to slow down and look at my heart. So, whether the difficulties come to allow God to fix something or will enable me to fix something, both are examples of God’s goodness amid the storms.

Sometimes…Exaggeration

My dad always said a little salt on his watermelon made it sweeter. And although I don’t understand the chemistry of why that is, I agree. The salt “exaggerates” the sweetness. You’ve probably heard the saying that without the bad times, we wouldn’t appreciate the good times. Some variation of that adage has made its way into most cultures. And just like salt on watermelon, it’s true. A life filled with nothing but positive, enjoyable, and uplifting experiences would turn us into spoiled, spiritual brats. We’d expect to be constantly showered with heavenly gifts we don’t deserve and soon become ungrateful grumps.  The hardships of life make us grateful for the smooth paths with which we are blessed. They exaggerate and magnify God’s presence in our lives, regardless of the season we are experiencing.

It’s hard to accept…

It’s difficult to understand and accept, but the truth is God is a good God. His purpose and plans are always the best. When bad things, hard things, and things that hurt happen, we forget that He is good and are angered that He would withhold happiness from us, even for a short period of time. 

Christian maturity is most apparent when we don’t pout about God’s actions. Sometimes, the wisest thing I can do is keep my mouth shut, bow my head, and surrender myself to God’s will. Have I mastered this in my own life? I’m not even close, but I know it’s right, and I know that’s the goal. 

I’m trying to remember that hard doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Discomfort doesn’t mean God has abandoned me. And dead silence helps me appreciate the first chord of an orchestral masterpiece. Life is hard…But God is good.