Hard-Pressed, but Not Despairing
I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry. — Psalms 40:1
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. — James 1:2-3
Author
Alberto González Muñoz
Summary: We should not turn ordinary setbacks into major tragedies. Let us learn to distinguish minor problems from serious ones and respond to each in proportion; constant, exaggerated complaints affect those around us. Facing small difficulties with faith, hope, and good spirits prepares us for greater trials. Having joy amid trials does not mean foolishly rejoicing in suffering, but recognizing that we can learn, grow, and develop patience. With God’s help, we can overcome today’s difficulties and trust in him when greater challenges come.
Letting trifles depress us is not only absurd; it is also unpleasant for the people around us. Some people have a knack for magnifying the slightest setback, turning the most ordinary inconvenience into a tragedy of enormous proportions.
For our own good, we need to learn to assess the events in our lives from a realistic perspective. There are serious problems, and there are minor ones. The attention we give to each, and their effects on our mood and well-being, can never be the same. The people who know us will respect and value our emotional intelligence when they see that our feelings and reactions are in proportion to the problems we face. The opposite will happen when they discover that we exaggerate our troubles or illnesses and constantly complain about every little thing.
I remember a big, strong young man who complained extravagantly every day about some new pain or ailment. He was so strong and looked so healthy that the other young people at church laughed at him constantly and paid no attention to his complaints. Perhaps he did it to attract attention because he needed affection, but he achieved precisely the opposite. One day he took offense when another young man from the church called him and tried to offer him some advice:
“When you really do feel ill, no one will pay any attention to you.”
We must all face life with an attitude of faith and hope that does not falter in the face of minor troubles, which, after all, are common to us all. Accepting and resolving small difficulties naturally and with good cheer prepares us to face the great trials that come to everyone.
The Bible says: Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:3). This does not mean that we should jump for joy when we find ourselves caught up in difficulties, because that too would be a foolish reaction.
What it teaches us is that we can keep learning and growing through every problem we face. We should use trials as opportunities to gain experience and grow spiritually. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing that, with God’s help, we are overcoming the many inconveniences life brings us. The God who helps us face and overcome minor troubles is the same God who will give us victory when we find ourselves caught up in a greater difficulty or problem.
God bless you all!