“It's not whether you get knocked down,
it's whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Resilient: “able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions” New Oxford American Dictionary
I think we've all heard the phrase, “The good die young.” But is it true? A lot of people have the idea that living an upright life is boring or stupid. “We're all gonna die anyway, so we might as well have fun and do whatever makes us happy,” the logic goes. The fact is, bad things happen to good people and to bad people alike. Sin effects us all whether we deserve it or not. We all will be tried and tempted to give up on living an upstanding life. But it's worth persevering. Our reward for living a good life is the joy with which God can fill our hearts when we seek His communion. Our reward is the everlasting life we are promised after this one. Our reward is greater than we can comprehend. Looking at our lives with that perspective can bring more happiness than all the possessions and exciting activities the world can offer. Not only that, but communing with God makes suffering bearable and can even give it purpose. When we live for God's purpose, it becomes clear how the struggles we've faced have lead to the things and abilities we have. It's funny how we are so easily fooled by the rewards we can see, the rewards we can imagine, touch, and feel; that we completely disregard the rewards that go beyond explanation, that go beyond earthly happiness and touch on heavenly joy. I'm not saying we should give up all those other things that bring happiness. God gave us the ability to create happiness for ourselves and for others here on earth. However, there is something more, there is something greater. When hard times erupt in our lives, we can call on our Heavenly Father, who sent His Son to die for us, to rescue us from the despair that life on earth can bring. The apostle Paul said, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming for?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading.
Jake
