The Lodestar

Christ does not promise us a life without pain or sorrows. He told his disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). But instead of giving false promises, the Bible teaches how to manage demanding situations in life.

The Bible promises divine help and presence in times of trouble. While reminding the disciples that they will have trouble in this world, Jesus also encouraged his followers and promised that he is always in control of the situations: "But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Another significant truth that the Bible reminds us of is the transience of troubling situations. No trouble is here to stay forever. The psalmist affirms that, like all nights give way to pleasant mornings, the troubles in life will pass, and the joy will dawn in God's time.

There is no more soothing thought than this while we are in the crucible of divine discipline, that every pain has an end as God only disciplines and never intends to destroy us.