Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and bestselling author, Dr. Paul David Tripp,

connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. In today's episode, we'll listen to a session from Paul's conference, Portrait of a Struggle.

Here's Paul, helping us to think about Shalom

and how to live honestly in a world where Shalom has been shattered.

I want this weekend to walk you through your own biography.

I want to walk you through your own biography. I want to help you to understand your story, perhaps in ways you've never understood it before.

Let's be honest.

It hasn't turned out the way you imagined.

Nothing in your life has turned out the way that you imagined.

If I could share a couple stories with you, I was dating my wife, who was not yet my wife, but would be someday.

I was persuaded that I was in love with her, deeply, fully,

in love. I decided I would look for that right moment where I would say those magic words to her.

I imagine I'd hear birds singing, violins playing.

I found that moment. It was quiet. We were alone.

I looked into her beautiful eyes and I said, Loella, I love you. She said to me,

you what? You love me? What in the world do you know about love? Don't you ever say that to me again. I heard birds dying.

Violin's breaking. It doesn't, it just doesn't turn out the way you expect it.

Oh, I guess I should say that I was the deeply mature age of 17.

Or I was at the end of a long day.

I had from the morning planned to have a conversation with my young teenage son.

I had rehearsed the words.

I'd really prayed all day long about this conversation.

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