Life will always have its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens…” At some point in your life, you’ve probably wished the world were perfect. You imagine what it’d be like if you didn’t have to feel pain or watch your loved ones go through painful situations. But that simply isn’t how things work. The positive side of pain is that it allows you to distinguish between JOY and pain. Without pain, how could you know joy?
While the consequences of living in a fallen, sinful world affect your everyday life, it’s your choice to have a positive outlook on life. Don’t mourn the past or live in a state of “What if…” David understood that “Joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5) and your entire life can’t revolve around pain.
Pain is something that doesneeds to be acknowledged, processed, addressed, and nurtured. This leads to healing. You just have to be careful that pain doesn’t get placed on the throne of your heart! The world isn’t fair, and it’s easy to even put JUSTICE on the throne of your heart in place of finding forgiveness and letting Christ reign in your life. “It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something” (Winston S. Churchhill). Live for Christ!
When you feel pain, is anyone there for you? While many people have family and friends who love them, only Christ knows the true depth of your pain because of the cross. But keep good friends by your side! “Two are better than one, because they have good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:12a). If you stand alone without accountability and fellowship, you’re more likely to get knocked down! Ecclesiastes 4:12b: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better; for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.”
When you feel loneliness engulfing you and you need a friend, turn to God and ask Him to fill your life with His presence! And remember that God doesn’t want you to be alone. Look for friendships in all areas of your life. Stranger are just friends waiting to happen! Every day provides opportunities to meet new people. Amidst all of the unfairness and corruption in this world, don’t lose sight of God’s righteousness. He reigns now and forever! Don’t place anything other than God on the throne of your heart, and don’t be ruled by a fallen world.