Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.
Romans 12:12, NCV
Trouble is an interesting teacher. It shakes us to the core and reminds us of who we are. It leads us down the corridors of unnamed fears, unlimited ways to worry, and renewed self-doubt. It makes an enormous effort to distract us in every negative way possible, and all the while, pounds away at our thread of hope.
This short verse from Romans suggests we might take another view though. What if we faced trouble with its only antidote, prayer? What if we prayed with greater fervor because we believed so well in the One who gave us the hope that springs forth from our faith?
Your friends may look at you strangely if you smile through adversity. They might suggest you just need rest or counseling. They may be puzzled by your behavior. They may be, but you recognize that trouble doesn’t have the last word. You have an advocate, a defender, a champion. You will not handle one single trouble all on your own.
You believe in the hope you have as a child of God, knowing you have a direct prayer line, knowing God sees you right where you are. Adversity may win a round or two, but it will never extinguish the light of your spirit.
God will see you through.