Psalm 116:10 I believed; [even when] I said,
“I am greatly afflicted.”

In the NIV this translation is given only as a footnote, but this is how the Japanese renders it, and this way it says something very important. Some people teach faith and “positive confession” to the point that you’re not even supposed to admit you have a headache, but that violates the Bible as a whole, I feel. We aren’t supposed to pretend that bad things aren’t happening, but we must not lose sight of the reality that God is greater than the bad thing, whatever it might be. After all, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) It is true that “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” (Proverbs 12:14) However, that doesn’t mean we get whatever we say. “Name it and claim it” isn’t in the Bible! However, that doesn’t mean at all that we are to go around grumbling. We generally talk about whatever we’re focused on, and our focus should be on God rather than on whatever difficulty we’re going through at the moment. We need to continue to trust God even when we are “greatly afflicted.”

I’ve been through assorted difficulties, more than some but certainly not as severe as some. I’ve also done my share of grumbling! I have learned from experience that difficulties are to be acknowledged but not dwelt on. That is an element of maturity. For most infants, the slightest discomfort is perceived as a tragedy. Sadly, some people are slow to progress past that point! In teaching medical English, I tell my Japanese students that some patients will say, “I have such-and-such,” while others will say, “I suffer from such-and-such.” Guess which one deals better with their problem! We all tend to see our immediate problems as huge, so the challenge is in seeing how much bigger than the problem God is. As a pastor, one issue is in distinguishing between the “drama queens,” who inflate their problems for effect, and the people who are genuinely overwhelmed by what they see in front of them. I need to help the “drama queens” grow up, but I need to help those who are genuinely overwhelmed lift their eyes to see the Lord who is greater than all, and who tells them, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Father, You’ve brought me through a lot, and my response hasn’t always been the best. Thank You for not giving up on me! Help me not give up on anyone either, but rather help them lift their eyes to see themselves and their circumstances from Your perspective, so that they may have peace and joy in the middle of their troubles, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!