I’ve never had a fellow believer come to me with this prayer request.

Please help me pray that I can suffer righteously in the trial I’m going through.

Maybe that’s been your heartfelt desire in prayer. Perhaps you just didn’t use those exact words in that order to ask for help.

Isn’t it bad enough that I’m going through a season of suffering?

Do I have to be conscious of how I walk through this trying time? Absolutely!

I believe that your attitude during seasons of suffering directly impacts both the severity and the length of your trying times.

Let’s pause for a moment. Click the link and take a reading from 1 Peter 2:20-23.

Peter says, “When you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” Never are we more like Christ than when we suffer for righteousness’ sake; “for to this you were called.”

Peter reminds us that Christ, “leaving us an example… committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” We must continue to trust God, who does everything right and never makes mistakes. His care is constant, and His perfect will shall prevail.

The sweet psalmist of Israel, David, also has something to add. “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psalm 9:9-10).

The original word for “times” in verse 9 is not speaking about a general, at-large time. Instead, it refers to a particular time or season. What a powerful reminder that during our specific season of searching and suffering, God is with us, and He is our high place of shelter.

Christian, it would appear that there are two ways to walk during your times of suffering.

You can choose to suffer righteously, looking to God with every step through that season that does have an appointed end. Or, as you progress through your trying times, you can selfishly sulk.

Suffering righteously requires a daily choice to trust God and His promises. Some days it takes an hour-by-hour approach, praying without ceasing and giving thanks for everything you can. I confess that it’s easier for me to write about than practice.

If you do not choose to suffer righteously, you’ll find yourself stuck in the default mode of sulking selfishly. Constant complaining, blaming others, and fault-finding will become your practice. You’ll adopt a victim’s mindset and begin to harm your Christian witness.

When you suffer righteously, you are behaving in a Christ-like manner. However, in the default mode of sulking selfishly, you’re acting as though you don’t even know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Are you currently going through a time of suffering?

Which path will you choose? If you’d like some prayer support, feel free to reach out. I’d be glad to pray with and for you.