Perplexed But Not Driven To Despair

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture – “I believed, and so I spoke” – we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18

A good attitude and the right focus help us to handle life joyfully, even though it doesn’t change our circumstances.

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to look at the things unseen, telling them the things they could see were only temporary but the things they could not see, were eternal.

So what’s unseen and eternal that we can look at? The character of God is an excellent place to focus. He is good. He is just. He is forgiving, and He is faithful.

Pondering God’s character can give us joy in the midst of our struggles.

When Christ is the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.

Our Daily Bread – July 6, 2009