Finding Glory in Our Tribulations

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." 

Romans 5:1-5

How many of us are GOOD at looking for the silver lining?  Trying to find significance and meaning in times of true hardship? Choosing to rejoice and glorify God, even when life is frustrating? How easy is it to look on the bright side, while still acknowledge (and not avoiding) whatever is causing us pain, suffering, and frustration?  This truly takes a perspective shift.

By shifting our attitudes and reactions during times of trial so they are outwardly-focused, instead of inwardly-focused, we can focus on the bigger picture of what is going on around us, instead of playing the role of the victim and having things just happen to us.  This is the difference between being the subject of your reality ("everything happens to ME!" "I have no choice...") to being the object within a larger reality ("Circumstances occur and I can choose how I respond to them.") 

Actively choosing to to not make it all about you and see the circumstance within this larger landscape of reality is the key to promoting spiritual wellness during these tough times because it allows us to step back from what is happening and realign our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and actions with God's larger purpose - and as a result GLORIFY HIM instead of pity ourselves. What a novel concept (expect that we've been instructed to do this for thousands of years...).

Now this doesn't just mean we have to put on the pair of rose-colored glasses many of us keep stored away (okay, I'll admit that mine are usually in my back pocket - if you know me, you understand :). Rather that glossing over the hard stuff and tinting it all rosy, we need to genuinely seek and pray for understanding, discernment, and wisdom during these times. 


The Apostle Paul's words in Romans show the purpose behind refocusing on glorifying God during tribulations:

"...knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

When we choose to persevere and actively work through the issues we are facing instead of ignoring them, we are able to develop godly character and strengthen the greater hope that we are living for and devoting our lives to. Now that's something to glorify :)