How To Make Things Worse
The way people make hard times even harder is by feeling for themselves; whining and complaining; and let’s not forget, playing the victim. Worst of all, they murmur against God, which reveals a lack of trust, and demonstrates they are flesh-driven. Moreover, it dishonors Him.
That murmuring can lead to bitterness, as it is rooted in a heart of unbelief. Bitterness and unbelief are dangerous, because they can lead someone to separate himself from God. At a minimum, it will impede the relationship. That can make it difficult to receive any wisdom from Him during tough times. Bitter people tend to turn their back on God, causing them to fail to hear His voice.
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
How does one fail the grace of God?
Hebrews 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The deceitfulness of sin can take you places you really don’t want to go. It preys on unbelief and bitterness. Those out of the faith are far easier to deceive than those who walk by faith. Bitterness attacks love, and yet we know faith works by love (see Galatians 5:6). Bitter people do not love well. Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15). What is His commandment? We love another (see John 15:12).
Murmuring leads to bad places. What happened to the first-generation God delivered from Egypt (read Exodus for full story)? They did not make it into the promise land, except for two (Joshua and Caleb). During their 40-year excursion in the wilderness, their murmuring caused them a lot of trouble.
1 Corinthians 10:10-11 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Of course, not everyone who murmurs goes to this extreme. Often, they repent when they come to their senses. However, if it leads to a bad confession, it can hinder the process of getting to the other side of difficult circumstances. Not only that, it can lead one into cycles of self-sabotage. How so? It affects our confession, which has an impact on our trajectory.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Making Hard Times Easier
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (whose heart is completely His -NASB).
When life hits us hard, it would behoove us to remember God actually looks to work on our behalf. He does fight for us; even though at times it seems the opposite. He will always work everything to the good to those who love Him (see Romans 8:28).
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Part of our diet should include a praise sandwich (yea I know, cheesy -but true). When things get tough, it’s easy to start crying out for help, or whine and complain. God already knows what we need before we ask; in fact, He made provision for our circumstances before we were born. When the going gets tough, the tough praise and rejoice. How many want to glorify God? Start there! Give Him glory first!
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (the Lord is near). Be careful for nothing (be anxious for nothing); but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Disciples of Jesus Christ should be the most peaceful people on the planet, even during adversity. Yes, dealing with our humanity can be challenge when the flesh tries to get involved. We are human, emotions sometimes hijack our state of being; nevertheless, God has given us His grace by which we are able to offer up the sacrifice of praise. Praise is the sacrifice; it is not a sacrifice to praise. In the state of praise is also a state of peace.
Allow His peace to rule your heart by submitting to Holy Spirit. Decide to love and follow Him regardless of what you face. Perfect love casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). Trust that He will work on your behalf, and give everything you need. In addition, do not lean on your own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5-12). By the way, you don’t have to understand anything; you just need to trust Him.
Allow me to get anecdotal, which I don’t do very often. This may illustrate the point. Years ago, I faced one of the hardest times of my life, in which I found myself in a very dark place. You know, when a sunny day seems like the darkest night. Without elaborating on the circumstances, let me come straight to the point. The Lord spoke to my heart: “Praise Me!” My first response was, “What? You’ve got to be kidding me!” He repeated Himself, “Praise Me!” “Okay, since you said so, I will, but it’s going to feel phonier than a three-dollar bill.”
I pulled out my guitar, and I began to offer Him praise. Before I knew it, the darkness left, and I actually had a smile on my face. After that point, the impossible became possible. Things changed rapidly. I did not praise Him to get what I wanted; I praised Him because He is God and I am not. I determined in my heart that regardless of what I go through, I will love and follow Him. He is true to His Word!
Psalm 69:30-34 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not His prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and everything that moveth therein.
