I saw this from a devotional on the home page of my PC Study Bible.
Some Christians are sadly prone to look on the
dark side of everything, and to dwell more upon what they have gone
through than upon what God has done for them. Ask for their impression of the
Christian life, and they will describe their continual conflicts, their deep
afflictions, their sad adversities, and the sinfulness of their hearts, yet with
scarcely any allusion to the mercy and help which God has vouchsafed them. But a
Christian whose soul is in a healthy state, will come forward joyously,
and say, "I will speak, not about myself, but to the honour of my God. He hath
brought me up out of an horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet
upon a rock, and established my goings: and He hath put a new song in my mouth,
even praise unto our God. The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am
glad." Such an abstract of experience as this is the very best that any child of
God can present. It is true that we endure trials, but it is just as true that
we are delivered out of them. It is true that we have our corruptions, and
mournfully do we know this, but it is quite as true that we have an
all-sufficient Saviour, who overcomes these corruptions, and delivers us from
their dominion. In looking back, it would be wrong to deny that we have been in
the Slough of Despond, and have crept along the Valley of Humiliation, but it
would be equally wicked to forget that we have been through them safely
and profitably; we have not remained in them, thanks to our Almighty Helper and
Leader, who has brought us "out into a wealthy place." The deeper our troubles,
the louder our thanks to God, who has led us through all, and preserved us until
now. Our griefs cannot mar the melody of our praise, we reckon them to be the
bass part of our life's song, "He hath done great things for us, whereof we are
glad."
Although the language used is different than what I would use, I agree with the message! So many born again believers, who have the very Spirit of God living IN them, continually speak of their problems and shortcomings, tests, trials and worries instead of who they are in Christ and what HE has already done in them and for them! We MUST cultivate a victory attitude in order to have anything about our lives invite the lost to ask US about the HOPE that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)! Take account of the face that YOU present to the world! Is it one of joy and peace or of guilt, fear and worry? Remember, HE has NOT given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). HE said to cast all of your care on HIM (1 Peter 5:7)! HE said that there is now NO condemnation to those who are IN CHRIST (Romans 8:1)! Let's show the world who we REALLY are! A royal priesthood, a holy nation, heirs of God and joint/equal heirs with Jesus (1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:17)! We ARE more an conquerors and we CAN do all things in HIS strength (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13)! AMEN! Here is a song of victory by Hillsong Young and Free called "Back To Life":
Shalom in Him!
VERSE
Here in my heart You have found Your place
Replacing fear with Your freedom
You lift me up, You lift me up
When all seems lost in my brokenness
I call Your Name and You answer
Held by Your love, Held by Your love
CHORUS
In the night
Through the struggle through the trial
You have made my burden light
You have brought me back to life again
VERSE
Your love it wipes every tear away
You calm the storms that surround me
You carry me, You carry me
Your light breaks through in my darkest hour
Your love is strong in my weakness
You are enough, You are enough
PRE-CHORUS
You won't let go, So I will follow
All I am, Yours now and forever
You won't let go, So I will follow
With all I am
Here in my heart You have found Your place
Replacing fear with Your freedom
You lift me up, You lift me up
When all seems lost in my brokenness
I call Your Name and You answer
Held by Your love, Held by Your love
CHORUS
In the night
Through the struggle through the trial
You have made my burden light
You have brought me back to life again
VERSE
Your love it wipes every tear away
You calm the storms that surround me
You carry me, You carry me
Your light breaks through in my darkest hour
Your love is strong in my weakness
You are enough, You are enough
PRE-CHORUS
You won't let go, So I will follow
All I am, Yours now and forever
You won't let go, So I will follow
With all I am