Romans 5:1-5
1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Precious perspective! To "glory in our sufferings" means to understand that, though the devil (Satan) has attacked us and caused us loss, we know that "God works all things together for our good." We do not suffer just to experience pain and misery -- there's a POINT to it all! That's where the hope comes from; our realization that we're going through something, but these are most often the very moments where Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is most apparent. In those times of great pain and loss, thank Him for the replacement blessings that are on their way. When Satan steals from us, it gives God a chance to bless us with something better! Hallelujah! We realize "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
As I reminisce over my worst times of severe depression, I now rejoice more openly and effusively because I am in the mode of thanksgiving (aka victorious thinking) instead of mere survival (aka stinkin' thinkin'). Since "God inhabits the praises of His people," why would you not offer Him a "sacrifice of praise" so you can have a holy visitation? Isn't that really what the suffering is rooted in -- having NOT spent enough time with God?
Thanksgiving -- in the heart of a Christian -- is every single blessed day. Start your new life today by going to God in prayer and thank Him even for what you're going through because His promises are 'yes' and 'amen' " and "we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
“Have an ‘Attitude of Gratitude.’”
Take some time today (right now, maybe) and make a list of things you are genuinely thankful for and literally thank God in prayer for each thing. Your mood will change and -- here's a key to joy -- living a thankful lifestyle is the basis of peace and justification and freedom in Jesus Christ. Christians should be the most thankful people on Earth because we have the presence of Holy Spirit and the added bonus of a great promise (the hope of glory) of life with God in Heaven!
Prayer
Dear Lord God, I ask that You would help me see the point in my sufferings and help me to rejoice in them. I confess that I have indulged in depressive, negative thinking and I ask that You would purify my thoughts and show me how I can do better. I pray that You would open my locker in Heaven and pour out all my blessings into my lap, in due season, at its proper time. I pray, Lord, that You would bless me with the precious perspectives of Heaven and help me understand You do not cause loss, but You provide for my every need according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I thank You, Lord, for life and the opportunity for a fresh start.
In Jesus' name I pray, amen.