As we live this life we learn that it consists of both hills and valleys. We all have our good days and bad days.

One may indeed become overwhelmed by the difficulties we face during our time on this earth. And, like Job, one may wish that he had never been born. "Why did I not die at birth; come forth from the womb and expire?" (Job 3:11) For some, life is not at all pleasant. Their circumstances are not to their liking. They only see the negative side of life.

Then there are those who are able to rise above the trials of life. Solomon declared, "Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all" (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8). What makes the difference? We choose the path we make! It is within our power to see life as bad or good. All men and women are confronted by problems -- but not everyone chooses to enjoy life in spite of problems. No one can force us to be miserable. We must make that decision for ourselves.

I have seen people in what I would consider ideal circumstances who are very unhappy. I've seen folks in less than ideal situations who couldn't be happier. I have learned from observing both, and from my own experience, that there is a secret to enjoying this life that God has given us. Paul said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am therefore to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Being a Christian brings an added advantage to this life. Being a Christian makes all the difference! In Romans 8, the apostle Paul reveals the Christian insight that makes a difference in the way we look at life.

(1) The secret to living life joyfully is in knowing that "if God is for us, who is against us?" (Verse 31).

(2) The evidence of this truth is seen in the fact that "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things?" (Verse 32).

(3) The Christian perspective becomes,  "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Verse 35).

If he was willing to give his Son, then whatever else happens to us in this life cannot be perceived as God turning against us. God loves us! No matter how tough it gets on earth, no matter who might turn against us, hold on to the truth that God loves us! The death of Jesus proves it and no one or nothing on earth can take that from us.

Live one day at a time and take the hills and valleys as they come. If we love him and keep his commandments, God will take care us!