Hard Life

5 min read

1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.
2 May you blow them away like smoke—as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.
3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:1-6

Life is hard.

First of all, there is the daily struggle to survive. One study says that it takes over $110,000 per year for a single person to live “comfortably” in Los Angeles. At the same time, Google AI tells me that the average annual earnings for a person living in LA is a little over $68,000 per year.

Second of all, if anyone is somehow fortunate enough to not have to struggle to survive, there is the struggle of relationships. I have never met my mother—don’t even know what she looks like. My childhood and teen years were a mess. Conflicts with family, coworkers, commuters, neighbors, and even church members seem constant.

Third of all, if anyone is fortunate enough to not have to struggle to survive and somehow lives in a loving, caring family and community, there is sickness and death. It is impossible for a person to go through life without ever getting sick or injured. And even if that were possible, everyone dies eventually.

And not only that, if anyone somehow by the grace of God has every advantage that any human being could have, there is the struggle of selfishness and ambition within oneself and with others.

Life is hard, and this hard life is nothing other than the fruit of the curse of sin.

Yet even in this hard life, there is hope for us. There is a chance for happiness, blessing, and joy. Christ satisfies all our needs, and He offers forgiveness of our sins, besides.

Even in this hard life, we have hope for a good life in Christ.

If I am far from being “comfortable” or even if I am poor, Christ provides food, water, shelter, clothes.

If my relationships are broken, Christ is my father, my mother, my brother, my sister, my friend, and Christ always provides opportunities for healing and reconciliation.

If I am sick, He heals. If I am selfish, He rebukes with love. If I die, He resurrects.

Without Christ, life is just hard.

Father, There are no words to express my gratitude for the life You have given me. Who am I that You are mindful of me. And yet, You have given me life. You have given me forgiveness. You have given me hope. You have given me everything. I rejoice in You and praise Your holy name. For You alone are good. And You have saved me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.