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Suffering On Easter

 As a Christian counselor, I often tell people that it is okay not to be okay. As I walk with those struggling with depression, difficulties in their marriage, loss, addictions, etc., I encourage them to let themselves be emotionally affected by their pain instead of denying the truth of how they are doing.  I ask them to take off the "I am fine" mask and tell the truth. At the same time, I seek to offer hope and peace in the midst of their suffering.

If your circumstances are pretty good, but you know they will only get worse, you have reason to despair. However, if you are currently suffering, but you are confident your circumstances will improve, you have reason to hope and celebrate. Easter is a reminder that the best is yet to come for those who trust in Christ.

Consider your suffering. Don't avoid it, check out, or lie to yourself. But then, consider that you have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. In Christ, you are headed for an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. Maybe your marriage, your health, or the health of a loved one seems to be perishing, defiled, or fading. First, let me say I am really sorry for your pain. I am not trying to put some Jesus band-aid on your pain and tell you to suck it up. I am saying that it really hurts, and it is really alright to grieve. I am also asking you to let Easter be a reminder that in Christ the best is yet to come, which will help you to grieve with hope (1 Thess. 4:13).

So, if you are suffering in a way that even on Easter all you feel is sadness and grief, that is okay. I hope you are with family, friends, and a church body that will grieve with you. On the other hand, no matter how bad your circumstances, it is also okay to celebrate and rejoice as you are able. For you know that you are only moving towards your imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance from here on out!
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