Bad moments sure are unpleasant, but if we have the right mind, the right perspective, and the right heart, we can still enjoy them. That might sound weird to you, but it's true.
James 1:2 tells us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." The Bible sure does have a different perspective for everything, doesn't it?
Here are three ways you can enjoy bad moments in your life.
1. See Them as an Opportunity to Grow in the Faith
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3)
When we view the challenges and temptations that we face as opportunities for our growth in the faith, we will find a reason to be happy. Think about it.
Don't you just wish we could grow in the faith the easy way, like we would wake up early in the morning with enough faith to move mountains back and forth 99 times? That would be fun, but that's not how God designed patience and perseverance to grow.
Patient faith grows only by being stretched through tests. Thank God for them because they help build us up.
2. See Them as an Opportunity to See God Move
Paul shares to us in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, regarding his problem:
"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
In the same way, we must learn to see our troubles as opportunities to see God move. When troubles come, let's offer them to the Lord and ask for His help. When we try to succeed using our efforts, we ultimately fail. But when God moves, we shall see amazing things.
3. See Them as the Way to Receive a Reward from God
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Lastly, we must learn to see trials and other bad moments as the necessary prerequisite to getting rewards from the Lord. In this case, it's the crown of life, which God rewards to all who remain steadfast in the midst of trials and temptations.
In Summary
Not only are bad moments profitable in building our patience, they also allow us to surrender to God and see Him move, while also qualifying us for rewards if we overcome. When we have these purposes in our hearts, bad moments aren't that bad at all, unless they're caused by our sin.
