“It is the joys and the sorrows that contribute to a meaningful life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 6, 2025
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4, ESV
The running bug has hit my home. It started with me, much to my surprise, as I found the challenge of running to be a great benefit to both soul and body. Yet now, my wife and daughter are right there with me, and all three of us are training for a half-marathon together.
The other day, my daughter and I went out for an afternoon run on a new course, a track at a local park along the river. And while it was a beautiful setting, afterward, we both commented on how much we disliked running at that location. After talking it through, we realized it was because the course was entirely flat, without a single hill or variation in elevation. By contrast, the road alongside our house has significant elevation gains and losses, and much to our surprise, we found this preferable. Though the uphill sections are a great challenge, you are rewarded with an extended downhill recovery, and the change and variation is, in fact, a blessing to the body, working different muscles rather than a singular, uniform movement without any change.
I think life is a lot like this. We tell ourselves that we want a life without any pain or trial, yet I am more and more convinced that it is the joys and the sorrows that contribute to a meaningful life. In fact, they go hand in hand more than we realize. That isn’t to say that the trials aren’t difficult, because of course they are. It’s hard to run up a steep hill! Yet the relief on the other side would never be as welcome or wonderful had we not first endured the pain.
In the mystery of his ways, God allows the hills of life for our good. They shape and form us into men and women that we would not have otherwise been. And so, today, take a moment to give thanks for the varied terrain of life, and wherever you find yourself on the road, receive it as an invitation to become more fully the person God has made you to be.
Prayer
Father, remind us today that you are working all things for our good, and are at work in the ups and downs of our lives, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Take a moment to give thanks to God for the season you find yourself in, no matter where you find yourself. All of life is under his care, so all can be a gift.
Related Reading
Psalm 121:1-2; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7
Worship Resource
Hillsong UNITED: Highlands (Song Of Ascent)
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