This month, as no place in this world can be secure, we are reflecting on how to deal with a world in distress and to prepare ourselves for the eventuality of disaster in our lives. This third reflection challenges us to define trials and tribulation from a biblical perspective:

IN WORD Several years ago, a rabbi wrote a popular book asking why bad things happen to good people. It’s a legitimate question; we see godly folks go through some very difficult things. So doesn’t our experience contradict this proverb? Must we generalize this verse and water it down to get anything out of it? Not necessarily.
We need to approach this proverb with some clear definitions. We need to define “harm,” and we need to define “righteous.” Who is righteous? Surely not those who have it all together. None of us do. The proverb would be unrealistic if it meant that, and the Bible isn’t unrealistic. Those who are righteous know who God is and hang on to that knowledge regardless of the situation. They desire God enough to trust Him. Their past may not be righteous, but their direction is. What is “harm”? Surely not difficult circumstances or pain. Otherwise, the proverb would be a shallow assumption based on fantasy, and the Bible’s not a shallow fantasy.
No, trials and pain are not ultimately harmful unless they diminish our relationship with God. But the righteous will not let them do that. They let their trials draw them closer to God. They see His grace more clearly in the aftermath of pain; they trust Him more truly when obstacles hinder trust; they serve Him more sacrificially when it costs something. Through pain, we see Him better, and He becomes more real to us. There is no harm in that.
IN DEED This proverb is less about the trials that befall us than our reaction to them. Nothing that the righteous go through is truly harmful if faith is maintained. But troubles are troublesome indeed to those whose faith is conditional. Their love of God depends only on what He does to make them feel good. Trials come to all, and our reaction defines us. Are we righteous or wicked? The test of pain will make it clear. “Trials enable people to rise above religion to God.” – Brother Andrew (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

The word “happiness” is derived from “happenstance,” the circumstances of life. It is interesting to note that those of the world pursue “happiness,” but God’s people pursue joy. The worldly can only be happy when they are “healthy and wealthy,” but God’s people can be joyful even in illness and poverty. This is because joy is not defined by circumstances, but taking refuge in God’s sovereign, good, and perfect will. This is the essence of the reflection above. If you listen to those interviewed after the Maui fires, Hurricane Idalia, and other natural disasters, you can tell who is who in their responses.
Take time to reflect on Romans 8 this week, and if you can, memorize verses 28 - 39. In times of circumstantial trial and tribulation, God’s promises will enable us to maintain the right perspective for joy. Have a blessed week, knowing God cares and is watching over you! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam