The pursuit of temporal happiness here on earth involves fashioning God according to our own selfish desires. We can get away with practically anything then. The pursuit of eternal joy, however, involves dying to self so that we may be fashioned into the image of God.
Everyday is a new day to gaze upon God so that we may be renewed and strengthened and reflect His likeness accurately and honestly, living lives of transparency and integrity. May God give us the strength to choose to die to self every moment of every single day.
Gazing upon the Cross helps us die to our selfish nature, being immersed in His Word transforms us by the renewing of our minds, and the understanding of the depth of God's love for us makes it all possible and palatable no matter how painful and how deep is our suffering. Christ Himself died on the Cross. Can we, as His disciples, expect not to suffer?
Suffering brings us closer to God. Lean into our sufferings, do not run from them but embrace them, be transformed by them and as we gaze upon God we shall become like him. Thank you, God, for the pain and hurt, and for being there in the midst of it all. So grateful for Your loving presence. Lean in, dear friends, suffering is transformative.
Thanks for reading,
Pav
