We live in a broken sinful world. Therefore, the issue is not how we can avoid suffering or even why we are suffering. The crucial issue for us as Christ-followers is how will we choose to respond to life’s circumstances; will difficulties move us toward God or away from him? When there are losses, physical and mental illnesses, broken relationships, career setbacks, financial stresses, unexpected challenges, or a global pandemic, how do we react? When our lives don’t turn out as we wanted, do we blame and reject God or turn to Him for strength and comfort?

Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose to stay focused on the God who loves us, saves us, comforts us, and is always “God with us.” Matt Redman captured the reality of this hope in his classic song, “Blessed be your name.” I confess that sometimes when I am struggling, this song is hard to sing. So, sometimes I just listen to its truths and ask the Holy Spirit to work on my heart to enable me to choose to worship with faith and hope.

Blessed be your name

when the sun’s shining down on me and the world’s as it should be;  

blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering,

though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name. 

Every blessing you pour out, I’ll turn back to praise.

When the darkness closes in, still I will say, blessed be your name. 

You give and take away; my heart will choose to say, blessed be your name.

Worship God by singing, “Blessed be your name” and make that your prayer today!  (You can find the song online.)