The heart is an amazing organ. Your heart is responsible for pumping life-giving blood to 75 trillion cells in your body and can do so in under one minute! Today, your heart will beat approximately 100,000 times, shuttling 2,000 gallons of oxygen-filled blood through about 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Over your lifetime, your heart will pump around one million barrels of blood. The fact of the matter is that without your heart functioning properly, you cannot live to the fullest. A healthy heart is vital to your well-being and overall health.

A healthy heart is vital to your well-being and overall health.

Unfortunately, heart disease has become the number one cause of death for Americans today. Nearly 1 million people die of some type of heart disease every year. The reality is that when our hearts become diseased, they are weakened and often lead to the loss of life.

It’s interesting that in creating our physical heart to function in such a life-giving and necessary way, God also uses the terminology of our heart throughout Scripture to speak of our spiritual vibrancy. Just as our physical heart can diagnose our physical condition, our spiritual heart is a diagnosis of our spiritual health.

Why Does Guarding Your Heart Matter?

The word “heart” is found between 500-800+ times in the Bible, depending on the version of the Bible you are reading. This points to the fact that a healthy spiritual heart is a really big deal. The insight given in Proverbs 4:23 demonstrates the critical nature and implications of maintaining such a heart:

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Have you ever thought about the implications of this verse? The idea surrounding the fact that our heart determines the course of our lives is staggering. Most people would say their future is determined by their choices, education, financial ability, luck of the draw, coincidence or maybe circumstance. The Bible teaches something much greater. Although these things may play a role in what we experience in life, the steering wheel of our life is our heart.

What does Scripture mean when it beckons us to guard our hearts? If the consequences include the direction of our lives, much attention ought to be given to this discipline.

How Do We Guard Our Heart?

Using the word HEART as an acronym, I want to suggest 5 areas we must guard our hearts if we are going to experience the life God intended for us. God cares about the course of your life, and so guarding your heart must be a top priority.

Guarding your heart begins with a commitment to strive for a healthy heart.

Health

First, guarding your heart begins with the realization that your spiritual heart helps diagnose your spiritual health. God created us with a physical heart that allows us to live temporally; he gave us a spiritual heart that means we will live eternally. Guarding your heart begins with a commitment to strive for a healthy heart. As much as diet and exercise affect our physical heart, what we feed our spiritual heart and how we protect it will result in its overall health.

Emotions

Your spiritual heart speaks to how you manage and control your emotions. When life gets tough, do you allow your emotions to control you? When you’re tossed into a difficult situation, how do your emotions react? Allowing our emotions to manage our lives will result in poor decisions and reactions to what happens in life.

Some people fly into a rage when they get angry. They say things that are hurtful and even detrimental to a healthy relationship. Others withdraw and refuse to have necessary conversations and therefore allow their emotions or feelings to control them. This points to an unhealthy heart. As Christians, we understand that our emotions don’t control us, but rather we bring our emotions into alignment with the Word of God. We guard our hearts when we control our emotions.

Attitude

Our attitude is an essential part of guarding our heart. Next time you’re in a conversation, watch for the power of attitude and you will see how negativity breeds negativity. A complaining spirit is contagious, but so, too, is a positive attitude. When we choose to celebrate what’s right instead of simply dwelling on what’s wrong, the course of our lives begin to change. This is not denying the reality of hard situations, but it’s choosing to focus on the good and learning from every experience.

A healthy heart is demonstrated through a person who has an all-in attitude and believes God’s goodness despite what they are facing. A great attitude is not based on circumstance, but is formulated by choice. You either choose to have a great attitude or a bad attitude. If you want a healthy heart, commit to a positive attitude.

Response

Every day, we have the opportunity to respond. Whether you’re responding to your boss, spouse, kids or co-workers, your response is an indicator of your heart. When your waiter or waitress doesn’t deliver as quickly as you’d desire, how do you respond? When something happens in your family or workplace that is less than you expected, what’s your response? Your answer points to areas of your heart that may be out of tune. Some unhelpful responses include: ungodly anger, sarcasm, gossip, negativity, leaving a small tip for your waiter, etc.

On the other hand, Scripture shows how a healthy heart is one led by God’s Spirit, and Galatians 5:22-23 provides some specific examples: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. A healthy heart is ruled by God’s Spirit, not our flesh.

Thoughts

Your thoughts are a window into your spiritual heart. Thoughts can be helpful and they can be hurtful. The Apostle Paul recognizes the vital implications that follow our decision to guard our heart through our thoughts. He writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5,

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

Notice Paul writes every thought and our desire is obedience to Christ. So what should our thoughts be like? Paul answers that question in Philippians 4:7-8,

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Guarding your heart requires guarding your mind.

Guarding your heart requires guarding your mind. What your eyes see, your ears hear and your mind dwells on all have enormous implications to your heart. Are the things you’re letting control your thinking true, honorable, pure and lovely? Things that aren’t characterized in these ways will serve to deteriorate your spiritual life and lead to a spiritual heart disease.

So, how’s your spiritual heart? In a real sense, this is a life-altering question. As you prayerfully consider the state of your heart, know that God’s desire is for your heart to be strong and healthy. He has big plans for your life, but a bad heart will hijack and derail those plans. God wants all of your heart so he can guide the course of your life to places you can’t even imagine.

The words found in Proverbs 4:23 will change your life and your future, so prayerfully ask God this week, “how’s my heart?”

We often hear stories of unsung heroes who defied all odds and accomplished incredible acts during their lifetime. One of those unsung heroes would be Jacob Atem. Jacob has a story that is not well known but is remarkable. He grew up in South Sudan during a time of war and unrest. One day when he was six years old, he was tending to the animals and fields when he saw fire and smoke coming from his village. This would be the day he lost everything – his family, friends, and home. Luckily, he was able to escape with his older cousin to the safety of the forest.

Convictions are the compasses of life – that keep us moving in the right direction.

They didn’t know what to do so they began a thousand-mile trek to Ethiopia hopeful for a new start. Each day brought challenges that included: fighting off rival militia, escaping lion attacks, and having enough food to survive. Regardless of the opposition, Jacob and his cousin pressed on. After arriving in Ethiopia, both of them were selected to be moved to the United States. Jacob was sent to Michigan where he thrived in education and graduated with a Masters in Physical Health. With a drive to make a difference in his homeland, Jacob used what he had learned to open the first medical clinic in Maar, South Sudan.

What was the driving force that led Atem to rise above the difficulties and in the end, bring change to his homeland? Author and Pastor Warren Wiersbe writes, “Convictions are the compasses of life – that keep us moving in the right direction. They are the foundation stones that help us to stand firm when everything around us is shaking and changing.” I would venture to say that Atem was driven by his convictions, and nothing was going to stop him from making a difference in South Sudan…and the rest is history.

What Are Convictions?

Professor of Psychology, Linda Skitka writes, “convictions are attitudes that are treated more like possessions or aspects of the self.” In other words, convictions are not just mere opinions, but they are firm beliefs that define who we are. They help determine parameters that in turn charts a course for our lives. When it comes to convictions, the old saying is true – if you don’t stand for anything, then you will fall for everything. Therefore, it is critical that we give careful attention to what is truly important to us and solidify our non-negotiable values.

Daniel: A Man of Conviction

The Bible tells an incredible story of Daniel, who was a young Israelite man who possessed strong convictions. After King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem in 597 BC, Daniel was among four men chosen to serve in this king’s court. The king offered Daniel the best training, education, and diet available. Daniel decided that instead of enjoying such delicacies, he would not subject himself to compromising his faith. Daniel 1:8-9 says, “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore, he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.” Daniel took a stand for what he believed, and the result was God’s favor on his life.

Types of Convictions

Indeed, many convictions immerse every part of our lives. By example, here are a few categories of convictions that we must strategically consider:

• Relationship Convictions – What kind of relationships will I allow to influence me?
• Time Convictions – How will I spend my time? What will I give my life to attaining?
• Family Convictions – How will I lead my family? What will my family be committed to?
• Entertainment Convictions – How will I allow entertainment to influence me?
• Career Convictions – How will I properly align my career with God’s calling on my life?
• Financial Convictions – How will my finances be ordered in the most God-honoring way?
• Health Convictions – How are my health decisions impacting the longevity and impact of my life?
• Spiritual Convictions – What priority will I place on worshipping God and being committed to his church?

These are just a few examples of how convictions play into our lives. If we don’t consider what guardrails and boundaries we are creating for the various areas of our lives, we’ll find ourselves in a place with lack of conviction which always leads to despair and even chaos.

Where Do You Begin?

Guiding Principle #1: Pray Regularly

Prayer should play a vital role in life because it allows us to communicate with our Creator. Whether it involves situations we are facing, struggles we are dealing with, or battles we are up against, prayer gives us the strength to keep fighting for what we stand for. Prayer is also a key component in hearing from God regarding the convictions he is calling us to establish in our lives.

“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6:18 (MSG)

Guiding Principle #2: Stay Immersed in the Bible

The Bible is our ultimate guide. Within this incredible book, God has laid out the answers to our questions and the direction for our life. By continually studying and meditating on the Bible, we can become more like Christ, our ultimate example. A clarity of direction occurs as we invest time reading and applying the Bible.

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

Guiding Principle #3: Be Committed

The idea of commitment is experiencing a significant decline in our modern society. And without commitment, convictions will be difficult to keep. We need to contest the norm by demonstrating a commitment in how we live, work and pursue godliness, all with godly conviction. Different seasons in life can be difficult, but when we commit to sticking it out, we will see God bring the best in every season.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Guiding Principle #4: Do Everything as Unto the Lord

Work is often viewed as either positive or negative. For some, work is seen as tedious, hard, and tiresome, while others see their work as fulfilling, fun, and exciting. When you live with the conviction that there is an eternal purpose in your work, not only will you reshape your perspective, but you’ll approach your work with greater passion and tenacity.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

These are just a few of the guiding principles that can help shape your convictions. The truth is that as you commit to godly convictions in your life, God will work in an amazing, undeniable fashion. Convictions result in the difference from living a natural life versus a supernatural life. If you’re a Christian, God wants you to experience a life filled with his supernatural work in and through you. Convictions are one of the ways you will see your life, work, relationships and church accomplish much for the Kingdom of God.

So, what are your convictions?

“God, the best maker of all marriages, Combine your hearts into one.”
William Shakespeare, Henry V

“The first year of marriage should be the best and shouldn’t have conflict,” said the husband in their first and last marriage counseling appointment. These middle-aged newlyweds were experiencing significant difficulty in adjusting to life together and had frequent fights…she would talk, and he would isolate. There was real hope for their situation except for one thing; he believed the fallacy that a good marriage was nearly free of challenges and refused to fight for his marriage when the challenge came.

The knowledge and attitude that we bring to marriage affect our conduct when conflict surfaces. Some spouses choose not to engage at all or fight thoughtlessly. Others fight only for their own rights. This can be due to fear, battle fatigue, ignorance or selfishness. The Bible’s teaching helps us engage in the fight without making our spouse or marriage itself the enemy. It also offers significant insight and guidance to improving our motivations and responses when we need it most. The result is that we serve our spouse and reach the goal of a deeper union in our marriage.

So, buckle up and grab the keys to fighting for your marriage.

Key #1 – Get Perspective

1. Recognize that Spouses Complement Each Other

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 (NIV)

People often think of having the right marriage partner in terms of compatibility. The goal is to exist in nearly perfect harmony. The Genesis account in the Bible suggests that a good match is more about being a suitable helper, a person who is not just like you but is complementary to you. The closeness of marriage allows the spouse (your helper) to see into your life like no one else.

When marriage conflicts arise, it’s common to interpret the discomfort as a sign that you have the wrong spouse or that your perspective is the only right one. Take a few moments to consider that your present disagreement may be a growth opportunity for both of you.

2. Remind Yourself that It’s Not Just about You

“Submit to One Another out of Reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21

Often in conflict, we are more concerned about our rights than we are about our spouse or doing what is best for our marriage. The example of Jesus is helpful here because even though He didn’t have to, He put our needs first and was willing sacrifice heavily to serve us. We show reverence for Jesus when we serve our spouse as He has served us. This perspective can us help navigate toward the best possible outcome as we fight for our marriage.

Key #2 – Stay

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 ESV

Part of fighting for your marriage is sticking around when conflict comes. Genesis teaches us that marriage is about staying close and growing close. Although this has much to do with choosing to remain in the marriage, it begins with staying at certain critical moments. This is truly a “must be present to win principle.” There are situations in which “a cooling off period” is a good thing. Some couples choose to discuss their struggle a little later, at a better time and place. That being said, the purpose should be to improve the relationship, not just create distance or avoid the problem.

“two-thirds of…unhappy marriages will become happy within five years if people stay married.” This lead the University of Chicago sociologist Linda J. Waite to say, “the benefits of divorce have been oversold.”

(Some spouses are in circumstances with physical violence, abuse or other dangers. In these situations, safety is the initial goal and so separation with counseling is often necessary.)

Key #3 – Communicate Only What is Helpful

“Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

This is a tall order but one worth pursuing. Fighting for your marriage includes thinking through how and what we communicate to our spouse. For starters, we need to make a complete commitment to pursuing unity and kindness in our conversation. This means that a demeaning tone of voice, harsh words, untruths, cursing, name-calling, manipulation, intimidation, unforgiveness and physical threats, among other things, need to be abandoned. The conversation must be oriented to the goal of oneness and reconciliation.

Key #4 – Let Go of the Small Things

“Sensible (wise) people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 19:11 (NLT)

Sometimes a lot of progress can be lost due to a very small transgression if it becomes the focus. It is wise to reconsider pouncing on a small offense. Context means a lot. Perhaps your wife comes home from a hard day at work and is a little irritable at first. You may be technically justified in addressing it, but it’s not likely to be a win for either of you. If you choose to hold your tongue, you are showing that you are considering her circumstances and not just keeping a record of offenses. You would be much better off asking her about her day and helping to make her evening more enjoyable.

Key #5 – Bridge the Distance No Matter Who’s at Fault

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him.” Matthew 18:15 (MSG)

A common response to being offended by our spouse is to wait for them to come to you and make it right. You may have to wait a long time. If it is accurate that your spouse is 100% at fault (a rarity), he or she is probably not thinking clearly, may have poor motivations, be angry or frustrated. This is not the mindset that would help them critique their behavior or motivate them to pursue reconciliation. It may be up to you…the one who is offended, to make the first move. Fighting for your marriage may mean humbling yourself to bring up the offense in a way that most likely brings a resolution. Begin by acknowledging how you contributed to the problem and make that right. Then, be assertive, respectful and kind in addressing the offense with the goal of strengthening your marriage.

Key #6 – Solve What You Can, Not Involving Others

“work it out between the two of you.” Matthew 18:15 (MSG)

Fighting for your marriage means avoiding the collateral damage that comes from involving others unnecessarily. If you take your conflict to friends, family or (God forbid) social media before doing your best to patiently resolve it at home, you will simply make the problem more complex. Jesus plan for conflict resolution draws a circle of protection around the offender and the offended. It acknowledges that people make mistakes and creates a safe environment for working it out. The very essence of marriage shines a light on hidden areas of our lives, creating opportunities for personal growth. Fight to protect this space of healthy confidentiality and conflict resolution. It will bring honor to you, your spouse and your marriage.

Key #7 – Seek Help When Needed

“If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.” Matthew 18:16-17 (MSG)

Marriage exists in community. Even though a couple should first seek to resolve a conflict or situation on their own, they may need help. The next step in fighting for your marriage may be to meet with another married couple, pastor or counselor. The real benefit comes when both spouses are present. Being patient with this process is important because it can take time to work through things that have developed over the years. Meeting with a couple or counselor doesn’t mean you have a bad marriage, but it can bring a new perspective, hold spouses accountable and give helpful guidance.

“Marriage is glorious but hard. It’s a burning joy and strength.”
(The Meaning of Marriage – Dr. Tim Keller p 13).

Have you ever walked through a situation in life that left you wondering why God would allow you to experience the hurt, pain or even discouragement that resulted? There is no doubt that some challenges in life are the result of poor choices, but for every believer, the reality is that we will walk through hardship and will experience pain.

Jesus told us pain and suffering would be a part of our lives

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus doesn’t simply say we’ll have trials and sorrow and then leaves it to us to figure out. Instead, he promises peace and reminds us that he has overcome the world

I love that Jesus doesn’t simply say we’ll have trials and sorrow and then leaves it to us to figure out. Instead, he promises peace and reminds us that he has overcome the world, meaning our hardships aren’t without purpose.

This is why the Apostle Paul who experienced much pain and difficulty can boldly declare these words in Romans 8:28,

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Our pain and suffering have a purpose

Paul chooses his words carefully, and notice he writes we know. For a man who underwent beatings, shipwrecks and multiple imprisonments, Paul recognizes something that is absolutely essential for us to remember as believers – our pain is not meaningless but has a purpose. And not just some situations, he writes all things.

Every individual God used mightily throughout Scripture went through seasons of hardship. Moses had to flee his family who wanted to kill him, Elijah had people seeking his death, Queen Esther risked her life in order to save the Jewish people, Jesus’ disciples were all martyred for their commitment to Christ and our Savior was beaten and crucified for us.

Yet Scripture repeatedly speaks to how our suffering never concludes without God’s power working through it supernaturally.

Our pain and suffering often sets us up to see God’s supernatural working in our lives

We’ve experienced this truth first hand over and over in our lives. In November of 2015, my wife and I began praying that we would become pregnant and we were very excited for this new chapter in our life as we prepared to have our first child. We strongly believed God had spoken to us that we would conceive although it was taking some time. However, in March of 2016, we did indeed become pregnant and were overjoyed for this new chapter in our lives. Our great joy was soon replaced with sorrow and grief as six weeks into the pregnancy we learned we’d had a miscarriage.

Our suffering never concludes without God’s power working through it supernaturally.

Nothing can prepare you for disappointing news, especially when you feel the Lord had spoken to your heart and then things don’t progress like you planned. Questions begin to fill our mind such as: Did we hear from God? Will we be able to become pregnant? Where do we go from here?

Through that season the Lord was near and helped us through the pain and discouragement a loss like this produces. He also walked with us and taught us some things that have helped us grow even stronger in our relationship with him.

Regardless of what you’re walking through today or what challenges are ahead, these are principles the Lord wants us to know when we’re walking through difficult days.

Principles for walking with God through difficult days:

1. Bring your pain to God don’t run from him.

When you run from God in seasons of challenge, all you’re left with is your own limited ability to cope with what you’re walking through. On the other hand, God invites us to draw near to him that we might experience his peace, healing, and closeness and this is what Scripture points us towards.

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18

The Bible never instructs us to suppress our pain, but instead, shows us where to direct it.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Like our need for a surgeon to address physical wounds to our body, God desires to conduct divine surgery on our soul which results in supernatural healing despite how difficult our challenge.

When we bring our pain to God we recognize that there is a purpose and in time the One who loves us unconditionally will reveal his divine purpose through it.

2. Fill your life with God’s Word and God’s people.

How we respond to pain and suffering is critical to how we process what’s happening and how healing will take place.  If you treat physical sickness with the inappropriate medication, not only will your sickness continue, but it could become worse.

When you fill your life with God’s Word and surround yourself with people who speak hope and encouragement into your life, your experience will be much healthier.

If you fill your mind with wrong thoughts: God is mad at me, God is not good, worse things are going to happen, etc., you will struggle to experience the peace of God he promises to us in Scripture (Philippians 4:7).

But when you fill your life with God’s Word and surround yourself with people who speak hope and encouragement into your life, your experience will be much healthier.

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:103

“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”  Psalm 34:8

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 15:16

When we fill our minds with God’s Word, we are reminding ourselves of who our God is, what he’s like, and we replace the lies of the enemy with the truth of our good God.

3. Don’t be filled with worry, overflow with worship.

Something powerful happens when we actively choose to worship through our suffering. We aren’t denying reality, we are simply redirecting our posture from one of worry to one of worship.

Worship changes our perspective. Worship speaks about where our confidence and hope resides. Worship redirects our thinking. Worship places the results in God’s hands.

Whether your pain is the result of relationship challenges, financial struggle, health diagnosis or anxiety about the future, when you begin to worship the Lord through your struggle, spiritual chains begin to break so that you aren’t ruled by your circumstance but you set your sights on something higher. This why Paul and Silas could praise when chained in prison. They recognized God was using their imprisonment for the spread of the gospel which ultimately resulted in the first New Testament church on the continent of Europe.

4. Believe that God will turn your sorrow into great joy.

One of the paradoxes of Christianity is that our good God uses pain for our good. Meaning that our biggest sorrows can result in our greatest joy. When you think about Jesus’ greatest sorrow – suffering the shame, punishment, and death for our sin, the result was great joy – the redemption of humanity and the opportunity for a relationship with the living God.

When I think about our story of the miscarriage which brought great sadness to our hearts, as we pressed into God’s presence and trusted his plan for our life, we’ve watched him use our situation to strengthen and encourage others which has resulted in our own comfort and joy through a tough loss.

We’ve now walked with others who’ve experienced a miscarriage or even difficulty getting pregnant. God has used our pain to strengthen us and encourage others to trust God and believe that he is working despite what we see.

In November of 2016, God blessed us with another pregnancy, resulting in a beautiful baby girl who has changed our lives. My love for her goes even deeper as a result of the previous loss we’d experienced.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4,

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

 This has been true for us as we’ve now walked with others who’ve experienced a miscarriage or even difficulty getting pregnant. God has used our pain to strengthen us and encourage others to trust God and believe that he is working despite what we see.

Our pain and suffering will not last forever

Tim Keller writes these thought-provoking words in his book “The Reason for God”

“Embracing the Christian doctrines of the incarnation and Cross brings profound consolation in the face of suffering. The doctrine of the resurrection can instill us with a powerful hope. It promises that we will get the life we most longed for, but it will be an infinitely more glorious world than if there had never been the need for bravery, endurance, sacrifice, or salvation.”

Jesus willingly suffered the greatest pain because he knew the end of the story, and so do we. Scripture shows us in Revelation 21:3-4,

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Humanity loves movies that end with happiness and joy because we’ve been created to know and walk with God and for those who place their faith in him, that ending will become their reality.

Jesus willingly suffered the greatest pain because he knew the end of the story, and so do we.

Eternity is coming, and our pain and suffering will not be totally forgotten, but the sting will be removed and eternity will be even greater as a result.

As you walk through suffering today or in the days to come, remember the words of our Savior Jesus Christ:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b