Trials and Change

Regarding trials: do situations change or do we change? I believe the latter. In my own life what was once unbearable I do not notice, what would have been a trial, had I not changed, is now enjoyable.

Most circumstances are outside of our power to change. We cannot change the family we are born into, our physical appearance, or our genetics. Some of us are born into privilege. Others are born into debilitating poverty. We have no control over most of life but we do have total control over our reactions.

Our reactions, our attitudes are the key to our happiness, the key to our success in life. We can choose to have hope that all will one day be made right. We can choose to be optimistic and see the good in every situation. We can choose to be joyful in the midst of pain. Or we can choose to live in fear; fear that the good we have will soon be gone and fear that the worst possible scenario will always come true. We can see the bad in everything and choose to become angry, depressed, and bitter when we face pain.

We are made in the image of God. Like God we have the power to create worlds. Every day we create the world in which we live. What type of world are we making?

We cannot control the pain and the hard times we face. They are a part of our world. In part they are consequences of our sin and in part they are acts of God’s mercy. For if we could live in perfect plenty and peace without his saving grace few would turn to Him. And indeed what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?

We cannot control pain, but we must remember it can and does serve a good purpose. In every situation we can embrace our suffering and consider it pure joy (as James wrote), knowing that if we let it, if we have a good heart towards it, pain helps our faith to mature and grow. We cannot prevent pain, but by having a bad reaction we can prevent it from doing us any good (indeed if we become bitter it can do us much harm). Through our reactions, through our attitudes we determine the influence pain and trials will have on our lives.

In this world there are many bitter and angry people. There are also many thankful and joyful people. The difference between them is not their circumstances. In fact I imagine depression and rage are more common among the upper classes than the lower classes—just look at the rates of mental prescription drugs! The difference between these people is their attitudes.

Personally I am much happier today than I was a few years ago. I am less angry and bitter and full of far more joy. Have situations changed? Yes, but there is always good and bad. I have merely found a way to make the most out of all, to find the good in all things and have hope that all will end in good, even when I cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel. In this way what was once unbearable I may now face with joy.