Navigating Unpleasant Seasons 1

Devotional Reading: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ERV

Unpleasant experiences undeniably dot the landscape of our world. But I believe that when God equips us with the right perspective, we can find joy even in the midst of unpleasant circumstances.

While facing unpleasant situations, we must hold these three truths dear. The first is that God is good. The second, He wastes no pain. And the third, there is purpose in our pain. The experience of Paul provides perspective for us, as seen in our anchor text.

Later in that chapter, the apostle described his circumstance as “so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain…” (vs 8 CEV). He submitted that “for a while, we weren’t sure we would make it through the whole ordeal” (vs 8 Voice).

To feel the way Paul felt is the height of it all. Yet Paul began the third verse by praising God. In the midst of all that? It is amazing that in the midst of Paul’s experiences, he recognised God as merciful and full of all comfort.

We must never forget that the assignment of unpleasant circumstances is to seek to make us think wrongly of God, or to even forget Him. But regardless of whatever happens, we never forget that God is good.

God is good. His goodness is not defined by what happens. God is good because He is. Remind yourself of this truth, even when the worst happens. And because of that conviction, you will find space for praise in the midst of pain.

Prayer and Confession
Father, thank You because You are good in all things and You continually work all things together for my good.

Further Reading: Job 1:13-22; Psalm 34:15-22