“I have told you these things that in me you may have peace. In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

We shouldn’t be surprised when we experience hard things. As Matthew 5:45 reminds us, “rain falls on the just and the unjust”. Whether we know, love, and follow Christ or not, and though He is “kind even to evil men” (Luke 6:35), we’re all going to experience troubles in this life.

Here’s the thing: what does your “trouble” look like? While trouble is the focus, my point is the word “look”. What is your perception of your present troubles?

Sure. I truly dislike my professional life and don’t know how much longer I can do it. Yes, my family has some health issues that has increased the anxieties of my bloodline exponentially. And yes, several relationships I’ve held dear are ending. As I type, I can feel the lump forming in my throat. It hurts.

But…when I took the time to notice my perspective was misplaced and made a shift…I audibly said, “Look! Look at my “trouble!”

I did. I looked around and saw the sunshine streaming through the windows of my well-maintained home. I felt the furnace kicking heat into a chilly environment. I filled my water bottles with my clean, running water. I put my dirty, expensive clothes in my washer and set out a fresh set of expensive clothes to put on after my hot, cleansing shower. I pondered the day I’d spend NOT working, even as my employer paid me for time off. I looked at the Word open on my counter awaiting my attention, and thanked God His Word was still accessible where I lived.

I could go on, perhaps even should, but you get the point. In this life you WILL have trouble, and it won’t feel good or be a ton of fun. But…take a true look at your troubles…recall they are temporary…and don’t forget to take heart. Recall the things in your life that aren’t trouble…and give thanks.

Living out of a spirit of gratitude quite literally makes all the difference in your perspective, and by default character.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1: 2-4