Expect that you will have sorrow, and that you will suffer injustice: expect this, and it won’t shatter your faith. Believe firmly that all your joy is with Christ, and you will be able to bear it if other sources of joy prove temporary, or are never found at all. And keep in mind that our sins assist the evil one and contribute to the world’s ongoing tragedy, so it is fitting that we bear part of the resulting burden.
Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation.” You will, he promises; just take a deep breath, and accept it. In this world, pain will visit everyone sooner or later.
But Jesus didn’t stop with that thought. He went on, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Pain is inevitable, but it is also temporary, and that alone is a comforting thought. Pain is mandatory, but misery is optional.”~Frederica Mathewes-Green, The Jesus Prayer, p. 52-53.
