Let me take a moment to apply this concept directly to you. What I have just shared is the most assailed mindset that humanity will ever confront. This particular way of thinking faces relentless attacks from the entire realm of evil, led by Satan himself. Everywhere we look, we encounter circumstances and unseen forces that strive to rob us of our personal peace and the freedom we find in this pure gospel of grace. Now, having said that, let’s reflect on a pivotal question: why should we ever allow ourselves to be sorrowful again? Why can’t we fully embrace the beauty of this world and the gifts we receive—whether it be in the form of nourishing food or joyful moments of play—in a manner that glorifies God and does not lead to our own harm? Why can’t we savor each moment without being burdened by guilt, sorrow, pain, fear, or any other negative emotions? The answer lies in the reality that we inhabit a world that actively opposes everything that God has accomplished. Throughout history, there has been resistance to the love and grace that God extends to us. This opposition was particularly evident during the life of Christ, as He faced relentless hostility aimed at thwarting His mission to save His people. As He walked this earth, He was surrounded by hostile forces; dogs, in a metaphorical sense, encircled Him. People spat on Him and mocked Him, and a band of evil men conspired against Him. They tried to extinguish His life before He could complete the monumental work of redemption that His Father had sent Him to accomplish. They sought to kill Him before the moment came when He would bear the weight of our sins, even enduring the moment when the Father turned His face away from Him. Yet, despite the overwhelming adversity, Christ triumphed over that death. His Father was ever-watchful, safeguarding Him during the most trying hour of His life. It is crucial to understand that it was precisely in His moments of greatest vulnerability that He faced the fiercest opposition. This serves as a poignant reminder for us that, even in our own struggles and moments of weakness, we too can find strength and solace in the grace that God provides, enabling us to enjoy life’s blessings without the shackles of fear and guilt.

In our struggles, we often begin to listen to the testimonies and experiences of others, allowing their narratives to shape our understanding of faith rather than cultivating a personal relationship with God. This shift in focus can lead us to draw unhealthy comparisons, measuring our own sorrows against the joys of those around us. As a result, we may find ourselves spiraling into feelings of abandonment and despair, questioning our worth and the authenticity of our faith. In the midst of our trials, we can easily forget that our journey with God is unique and that our experiences do not define His love for us. Ultimately, we must strive to anchor our faith in His truth, rather than in the fluctuating circumstances of our lives or the experiences of others. This is simply the essence of our human nature. However, we must acknowledge that we are flawed and often filled with doubt. Many individuals express a desire to trust in God's love, believing that such faith is more than enough reason to glorify Him and find joy in His presence. Yet, when we face trials and challenges, when the burdens and heartaches of this world start to encircle us, we become acutely aware of the mocking voices of the wicked. We also experience the pain and disappointment that comes from placing our trust in mere human beings. In these moments of difficulty, we may find ourselves confused by the misleading notions that God has promised us things He never actually guaranteed.

God does not expect us to be in a constant state of acceptance regarding His actions and decisions. Instead, His true peace and rest come from our willingness to approach Him with our struggles and frustrations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of building up reasons why we believe God might not come to our aid in a particular situation. As we experience feelings of anger and frustration bubbling to the surface, it becomes essential for us to lay all of these emotions before Him. We need to express to God that the weight of our burdens feels unbearable, that we feel surrounded by those who wish us harm, and that our faith feels so fragile that we are afraid we might crumble under the pressure. We can often feel like we are in chains, longing for His intervention to set us free. We may not receive immediate relief; it might take a day, a week, or even a year, but rest assured that God hears every one of our cries. He is love itself, and His love is unwavering. He will never abandon us in our time of need. There will be brighter days ahead. All we need to do is be honest and transparent with Him. We must not allow ourselves to believe that He has turned away from us. Instead, we should bring forth every ounce of frustration, sadness, or fear that is building up inside us. Make it a daily practice to present your case to Him, and wait in hopeful anticipation for His response. It’s important to be cautious of those who suggest that our struggles are merely signs that we need to give something up or change our approach. Even the most righteous among us, the one who bore the cross, experienced moments of entrapment and despair. He witnessed the forces of darkness closing in around Him, yet He remained sinless. In His moment of anguish, He cried out to His Father for deliverance from the grip of death. He endured the deepest sorrow and psychological torment that anyone could imagine. Despite His suffering, He was heard; He cried out with intensity and volume, imploring His Father for help, and He was ultimately saved.