While it's never wrong to quote scripture in the midst of difficult situations, Christians sometimes display a "pie in the sky" attitude to people who struggle with the legitimate concerns of the here and now. Rather than receiving encouragement, people walk away more frustrated than before and wonder if anybody understands.

Perhaps Christians should revisit the way Jesus handled these situations. In Luke 6:17-26 Jesus not only validates those confronting life concerns, He offers hope and encouragement by radically transforming the way Christians should view life.

I. Show me the money! (vv. 20, 24)

In Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise plays a sports agent who yells, "Show me the money!" in order to keep one of his clients. Many Americans have the same attitude by demanding financial success as if it were a right, only to feel cheated when wealth never materializes.

Jesus reminds his followers that they are already rich because they have the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, people tend to associate riches with money. But real wealth constitutes the unsurpassable resources of our Heavenly Father. This means forgetting about the grass on the other side of the fence and realizing that your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. You may not ever own a Ferrarri, but God will supply all that you need to accomplish His will. Trust in God and start spending the tremendous wealth lying at your feet in service to Him. You will be astounded by the dividends.

II. Food for Thought (vv. 21a, 25a)

Most people in the pews don't suffer from a lack of food. Okay, the truth is many of us are painstakingly trying to lose weight. Does Jesus' condemnation of those who are "well fed" mean that He will punish all overweight Christians when they get to heaven? Of course not. It does reveal God's burden for those who struggle to meet this daily need and His reproach upon all who neglect the church's mandate to war against hunger.

God desires for His people to be totally dependent upon Him for their everyday needs; even for daily bread (cf. Matt. 6:11). When we forget to ask God for these items or thank God for His provision, we are in danger of flaunting an attitude self-sufficiency. Instead, the next time you sitdown to eat a meal think about your food, think about your thankfulness, and think about how God can use you to alleviate the hunger of others.

III. The Secret to Happiness (vv. 21b, 25b)

The promise of laughter in the midst of difficult circumstances may seem like an unwarranted platitude. But when the promise comes from the Master, believers know his word will come true. This encourages us in two ways. First, we are comforted knowing that our condition is only temporary and that heaven will provide joy and laughter for an eternity. Second, Christians are assured that God recognizes our plight and is actively working to bring forth good from what seems bad.

Life on earth is full of hardships and disappointments. Acknowledging God's sovereignty throughout the course of these events delivers us from anxieties about the ultimate outcome. Rest in the knowledge that God will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6), and He will defeat the doubts that prevent true happiness.