Many believers talk about God primarily in the language of tests, trials, tribulations, judgment, and hardship. When your spiritual identity is not rooted in the righteousness of Christ, you begin to feel worthy of suffering instead of blessing. You start interpreting every difficulty as proof that God must be displeased with you.
Paul told the church in Rome something very different. He declared that trials, tribulations, persecution, and every other hardship could never separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). He wanted them to know they would overcome in every situation–as long as they never forgot how deeply they were loved.
Religion tries to convince people that difficulties are punishment or evidence of God’s anger. Paul disagrees. Life’s hardships do not come as signs that God has turned against you.
Jesus said it plainly:
“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe (confidently) in God and trust in Him, (have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and) and believe also in Me” (John 14:1 AMP).
God is not the source of your trouble. He is the One who loves you through it. Stop letting religion rewrite the character of God. Your identity is righteousness. Your standing is love. Your heart does not have to stay troubled.
Ed Elliot