When I read this thread title, the first thing that came to mind is a verse in Proverbs that has really spoken to me the last few months or so.
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
I agree with those who already stated that being a Christian doesn't mean things are going to be all great and wonderful. I've seen a lot of people who do get that idea one way or another, then they end up disappointed and mad at God for not doing things he never promised to do. He never said life would be easy. Life is hard. I also think perspective is a huge deal. We can choose to look at all the negative things constantly or we can choose to think about the positive things. If you're in this forum, then you probably have food on the table, a roof over your head, and a lot of other things that some people don't have. All things many of us, certainly including myself, tend to take for granted.
I get a lot of encouragement out of things in the Bible.
Paul comes to mind. Look at all he went through and survived in 2 Corinthians. Here's part of that:
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.
God got Paul through all that, and he can do the same for us. I think we can often learn the most from those hard times.
It's hard to imagine thinking along these lines and the book of Job not coming to mind. That's a great read about struggle, faith, questioning, etc.
I've mentioned this here before, but chapter 38 and on through the next chapter or two really put me in my place if I want to whine to God about something not going how I think it should.
Job 38 NIV - The LORD Speaks Then the LORD spoke to - Bible Gateway
Here's a small excerpt from that:
1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
2 “Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?
That really humbles me and floors me every time.
I just think it's important to find some balance there. I'm not going to deny how hard life is, sometimes more than others, but I try not to be a whiner. Truly there is so much to be thankful for!
If we wake up in a bad mood, focusing on and looking for negative things, we're sure to find them. However, we can make the choice to try to be more thankful for what we do have instead of whining about what we don't have. Once again, it's about balance and perspective.
I think it can be summed up in something I've heard plenty of times: Life is hard, but God is good.
