I suppose it’s human nature. When we feel good, when things “go our way”, we are happy. And when they don’t, we aren’t.
You could say that’s a “duh” statement.
I should dig into the sociology and psychology classes from college and figure out the science behind this. But, that doesn’t interest me much. However, I do wonder how we respond as Christians to this.
I’ve heard a lot of “Praise God” moments recently. Lots of good thing happening to people and they look to and praise God for how good He is. I have no issues with this, but, their response to how “good” God is leaves me asking a question… If things hadn’t turned out so well for you, would you still see God as “good”? Can you praise God, even when things don’t go “your way”?
I should study the life of Job, as he provides a great example of one who dealt with many blows in life. Recent events in my life have left me wondering how to respond when going thru my own “dark” times. Honestly, it’s hard to praise God when things are less than positive. I know that many people have gone thru dark times an d come out on the “other side” praising God. But, what happens when those dark times bring something irreversible? What happens when there is no “other side”? Is praising God still even possible?
I realize that in all things, we can praise God (Rom. 8:28). I just don’t see it all the time. It’s really cool that we give God glory when things go “our way”. It’s a way to recognize Who is in control. But when things don’t go our way, can we still praise God? I think we can. I’m just not exactly sure how that happens. We don’t see that modeled very often. When someone doesn’t get well, what do we say? When we aren’t “saved” by some grand Divine happening, what do we say? When we felt we have been “done wrong”, what do we say? When God doesn’t “magically” show up, what do we say?
The other side is hard. But, God is there. In fact, if it’s possible, He’s probably “more there” than usual. I’m not sure we could make it if He weren’t.
