Life’s Trials and Tribulations

I am currently listening to the audiobook, Grant, that was written by Ron Chernow. I have just finished the part that describes the build-up to the War Between the States. One senses the animosity and division between the political factions – the Democrats who wanted to allow the institution of slavery to continue and the Republicans who were opposed. Basically, there was a lot of wrangling, and the country was deeply divided.

It seems the political landscape has not changed very much over the last 150+ years. Our country is quite deeply divided along party lines, again the Democrats and the Republicans. Not only is this divisiveness affecting our economy; the tension between the U.S. and nations such as North Korea and Iran are at high level.

In addition, many people are embracing moral relativism, which is “the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others. It has often been associated with other claims about morality: notably, the thesis that different cultures often exhibit radically different moral values; the denial that there are universal moral values shared by every human society; and the insistence that we should refrain from passing moral judgments on beliefs and practices characteristic of cultures other than our own.” One of the contributing factors to this philosophical trend is the decline in the importance of religion in modern society.

These and other conditions are making people angry and afraid. People are on edge, and their angst is exacerbated when a they are confronted with a personal trial or tribulation. However, for us Christians, these personal trials offer an opportunity to demonstrate our faith to those around us. The way we deal with these troubles can speak volumes about the authenticity and vibrancy of our confidence in Christ.

Coping with these tribulations requires us to embrace certain disciplines with greater focus and heightened determination. Although it seems counterintuitive, the first line of defense against life’s trials and tribulations is thanksgiving. As St. Paul reminds us in his First Letter to the Thessalonians, we should “give thanks in all circumstances…” When we give thanks in all things we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty and his promise to us to work things out together for the common good.

We must remember, God is in charge when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems, and we are called to acknowledge this fact through our thanksgiving. By giving thanks we are able to rejoice in our trials knowing that God intends to either show something about himself or accomplish something through us. This is the way Christ was able to withstand the shame and pain of the cross, and it is the way in which we grow and mature spiritually.

So, when we give thanks at all times and in all places, we come to know the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. No matter what comes your way this day or in the future, exercising your thanksgiving muscles will glorify God in many ways, and it will provide the peace you seek.

- Curtis +