Hard Is Not Bad

Matthew 7:12-14

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I have just a moment to write this morning, several phone calls to return, appointments to set up, granola to bake, a grocery list to make, supper to start this morning so it is ready by tonight, a high school GPA to figure out for a soccer pamphlet for recruiters, a few kids to bathe, laundry to fold, and a child who will need most of my attention and lots of help and grace today because last night ended rough. Breakfast will start soon and one child has been working on school work for 45 minutes already. It is going to be a good day! No, a great day!

As I read the verses above this morning God impressed upon my heart the hardness of His love story. It was complicated and messy and hard giving up His son for us, but His redemption of us is so good! I often find myself telling our children that hard doesn't mean bad. The converse is true as well: easy does not necessarily mean good. That is a really challenging lesson for us in a society and culture where we seek ease and worship it.

God's Word is clear about how we are to live our lives in a way that leads to eternal life: dependent upon him, loving Him, serving others. He says it is hard because he knows our pride and selfishness that cause us to seek ease above loving Him and serving others. But the hard life is not bad. It is not without joy or hope or satisfaction. His word is clear that there is fulness of joy in His presence. There is peace in trusting Him as He makes known the path of life through His Word.

Today I rejoice in opportunities to depend on Christ in challenges and to enjoy His provision of joy in the narrow way.