In life, we face many storms. Being a Christian does not exempt us from facing hardships. The Bible tells us that in this world we shall have tribulations. During our walk with God, we come across difficulties, across many trials and sorrows. Are you able to worship in the midst of afflictions?
Different people go through different things at different times, and even those who face similar trials handle them in different ways. There are those who have gone through the death of a loved one, some have gone through the loss of a job, some have faced relatives who are struggling with addictions, some have gone through a relationship and marital breakdown, some have dealt with rebellious children, some have gone through failures in different areas of their lives, some have gone through diseases and illnesses, some have gone through rejection, abuse, mistreatment, and so many other things.
Life is full of ups and downs. We usually do not know what the next minute holds.
At times all is calm in our lives, but the next minute storms start blowing. One minute everything in our lives seem to be okay, but the next minute there is turmoil all around us. Can you worship in the midst of afflictions?
What do we do when afflictions come into our lives? How do we handle unwanted things that come our way, things that disrupt what we considered normal? Different people approach things in a different way, some through carnal ways, and some, usually very few, through a Spirit-led way.
Do you complain and murmur when storms start blowing in your life? Do you blame everyone around you for what you are going through? Do you become a person who throws negative words at other people just because you are going through trials? Do you become a person who is difficult to live with because you over-burden others with your complaints, your murmuring, your blaming, and your self-pity? Do you treat others in a bad way and then blame it all on your circumstances?
Such are carnal ways of dealing with a storm, and this shows that such a person is not surrendered to God. It shows a lack of faith in God when a person is always complaining and acting in fear when afflictions come their way.
God’s will for us is to live a life of thanksgiving, not because of our circumstances, but in spite of our circumstances. Worship in the midst of afflictions.
Let us not become people who give thanks to God only when our lives are going on smoothly. Instead, we should be people who give thanks regardless of our circumstances, whether things are good or are bad. Our love and praises to God should not be dependent on how good our life is going, it should be in spite of what life throws at us. In every situation, we are to give thanks. Worship in the midst of afflictions.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13.
God’s grace is always sufficient, no matter what we are going through in life. God’s power works in us and enables us to face and overcome whatever challenges we may be going through.
When we are in Christ, we know without a doubt that God is with us no matter what comes our way. The Bible further tells us that the temptations we face are no different from what others experience, but God is faithful and He will not allow the temptations to be more than we can stand, and even when we are tempted, He will show us a way out so that we can endure.
Job was a perfect and upright man in the eyes of God, yet, he went through many afflictions. However, even in the midst of all the pain, he never cursed God. He went through all the trials in his life still holding on to God, and came out through the other side in victory and a blessed man.
When we go through trials, we can choose to respond by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We do not have to complain, murmur, blame others, go into self-pity parties, or become people who are displeasing to be around. Instead, we can choose to worship even in the midst of the afflictions, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Giving thanks and worshiping God when we are in great pain usually goes against our human nature, but it is something that we can do by God’s power.
When we are Spirit-led, then we will not respond as the world does, instead, we will sing and give praises to God, we will worship God, and acknowledge that He is sovereign and all-powerful, and that He is able to take us through whatever we are going through, no matter how humanly impossible it may seem to be. Choose to worship God in the midst of afflictions.
The Bible tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. What we are going through may seem too hard for us at the time, but that might be the same thing that will change our lives for the better.
Let us choose to learn the lessons in every situation we are in, whether good or bad. There is always something to learn. May we have a teachable spirit, and pray for God to teach us through His Word by His Spirit the things that we need to learn. Let us allow God to refine us and mold us into the people He desires us to be, for His honor and glory.
Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9.
Blessings.
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