It may sound insensitive to some, but Psalm 126 challenges us not to waste the opportunity of suffering.

We’re not dismissing our troubles. We’re professing that our joy in Jesus is greater.

All these are valid concerns, but they’re not the problem.

We call it procrastinating; wisdom calls it senseless.

He is happy when tested because he has found that trials are opportunities to prove and declare his love for this faithful God.

The lesson of humility—learning that our personal pride is empty and our self-praise is delusional—is a gracious gift.

Faith is suspicious of personal strength, cautious of human perspective, and altogether distrusting of slanders of God’s character.

While other well-meaning friends may be may be unable to help us, God has limitless treasures of wisdom to share with his people, and he turns no one away, giving freely to any who ask him.

James says that trials remind me of my weakness so that I’ll learn to depend on God’s strength.

We’d rather do without than let anyone know we are struggling.

The hurts, the difficulties, the hurdles and twists and turns—they’re real, but they’re not the point.