It is not that Christians are to “give thanks” with a plastic smile, saying things are wonderful when they are hard. It is knowing that the hard things are really hard things, a result of the abnormality since the Fall, yet not revolting against God when the hard things come. It is in this sense we are to say “thank you.” I know that even out of this part of the battle and tears, my Heavenly Father will bring good–even though I may not know how all the pieces fit together. At this point, when abnormality breaks over me, I can fight what is wrong, yet still not revolt against God. Thus I can have a thankful heart, though living consciously in the Bible’s outlook concerning the present world as abnormal. In this setting, the importance of saying “thank you” in the worst aspects of the battle becomes clear. Being complacent about the suffering of the world and being contented before God are not to be confused. I can be contented, in this sense, while being in the midst of the battle.
Francis schaeffer
Reading Reflection:
There exists a tension in how we navigate our emotions and thoughts amid suffering. On one hand, there’s a sense of needing to be honest because honesty is a Christian virtue. On the other hand, there’s an inclination to be cheery because joy is also regarded as a Christian virtue. In reality, Christianity provides the resources for us to be both sorrowful and rejoicing.
In times of suffering, we can be sorrowful as we acknowledge that the world is not as it is supposed to be. When hardships enter our lives, we recognize the inherent wrongness. It’s okay to label it as “not right.” However, we are also anchored by the promises of God. These promises offer hope in the midst of sorrow. While there is a genuine acknowledgment of the “not rightness” of life, there is an equally genuine reality of hope in God.
If He has promised to be with us, work for us, and stand by us, then we can express gratitude to God even in the face of things that are not right. We can be restless over the brokenness in the world, yearning for God to mend what is fractured, while simultaneously finding contentment in God, trusting that He will indeed restore what is broken. And when He does, it will surpass our wildest dreams.
