“Good Times, Bad Times”

I believe that all of us have had our share of walks on the mountain tops. They are times that we enjoy in life where all is well and things are about as perfect as they can be. We feel good, our friends and family are doing well, the job is going great and God seems to be smiling on our lives with blessings and favor. Yes, these are the times when the car is running great, the kids are behaving and everything in the house is operating and working just like it should.
Then, there are the times we travel through the valleys. We cringe when we think about traveling in the lowly parts of life. They are the times when our health or the health of our loved ones isn’t what we would wish it to be. Maybe our finances are out-of-whack and it is hard to bring it all together. How about those times when something breaks down and needs to be repaired or replaced? These seem to go hand-in-hand with the financial stress we are already experiencing. To add to the valley experience, our relationships are suffering from the need to participate in the woes of other people’s lives, all the while trying to orchestrate our own path that has its own difficulties.
During these times, it is hard to find the same enjoyment and satisfaction as the times when on the mountain top. It is hard to see God at work and keep an optimistic viewpoint. As Christians, we know that we should keep a positive outlook on life, but in many situations, it is easier said than done. Instead of laughing, we want to cry. Instead of partaking, we look to withdraw. Instead of taking the next step, we want to fall to the ground and quit.
It is in the times of trouble that we should realize that God knows exactly how we feel. Jesus had moments where he was the talk of the town. He was the most popular man in all the land. People praised him for his deeds and ministry to the people and for all the good he was doing. It didn’t take long for Christ to be on the receiving end of many woes, including his death on the cross. Even so, the story comes full circle as Jesus becomes triumphant over the grave, sin, and hell.
Now many would say, “Well, I’m not Jesus!” That’s true. We are not Jesus; but we are his people. I like the analogy of the parent and the children. The parent looks to the needs of their children, but also wants them to grow in strength, knowledge and wisdom. That comes through experiences; both good and bad. As God’s children, he looks to our growth process by allowing trials, as well as triumphs. He exercises our faith so that we become a tool, an instrument for his Kingdom. This way, we are able to declare the Good News and help others when God places them In our lives.
Romans 5 reminds us of this very principle when it says, 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
I encourage you today, not to be disheartened or dismayed when going through the valleys of life for we are not alone. One of the most well known passages in the Bible confirms that we have the hand of God on our side. Psalm 23:4 says, 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. God is with us: Through the Good times and the Bad.