Trouble…what does it mean? During his trials, Job said, “Man’s days are few and full of trouble.”
We all run into trouble on some front. We sometimes handle trouble poorly because of our misguided expectation that “if God is for me and I am God’s child,” I will not have trouble. This is unrealistic. So when trouble comes, we are unprepared.
The sources of trouble are many.
The Devil
The devil is a very real being, with a lot of assistance from his evil forces to mislead, influence, attack, and resist us. The Bible describes him “like” a roaring lion. He’s not actually a lion, he just makes a noise like a lion.
Our mistakes
Trouble comes from our mistakes, lack of wisdom, impatience, and decisions. We can never get everything right — so it’s a given that we will get some things wrong.
People
What about the people who have power or influence over us? How about a problem with a manager at work — the higher-ups deciding something that makes life just plain miserable?
Misguided beliefs
Even as believers, sometimes our misguided beliefs can make trouble. We expect other Christians to be better than we are and then the disappointment sets in.
Through all this trouble, our human thoughts keep ticking, drawing conclusions, making plans, and dealing with our emotions. Sometimes our conclusions are wrong- and therefore our reactions are wrong.
Here are my thoughts on dealing with trouble.
- Don’t assume trouble is a sign of God’s displeasure or judgment. God is not human; He does not need to get even with us nor does he need to prove anything.
- When in trouble, our first response should be to take a deep breath, ask God what is going on. Though He did not cause the trouble, He still knows what is going on. He is never caught by surprise.
- Make no sudden decisions that are driven by our emotions. Those decisions are mostly regretted.
- Before we do anything, pray, pray, pray. If need be, get some input from wise counsel and/or ask others to pray with us Praying settles the nerves and the spirit and turns us towards God.
- Take appropriate action. If we sense it is a demonic attack, resist and rebuke the enemy in Jesus’ name. If I have caused this problem, I must do all I can to resolve it, including apologies and restoration. If the situation is truly beyond our control, I can rest in the grace of God and ask God what He wants me to learn in this trouble.
- Discipline myself. Keep a disciplined, faith-filled, optimistic attitude in life. It may not change our circumstances, but we’ll feel a lot better walking through the process.
- Always give thanks for God, His faithfulness, wisdom, help, and empowerment. We will survive and overcome.
- Be realistic about life. The many promises of God do not prevent us from the reality of this life. Yet no matter what happens, we can’t underestimate the grace of God to get us through. We will make it!
MEDITATE
Ask God now, “What is going on?” What does he have to say about the troubles in your life? Is he leading you to take specific action? Pray, pray, and pray some more – do not underestimate the grace of God.
STUDY
Psalm 9:9-10, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Reading Plan: Genesis 36-42
PRAY
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are always present when I am in need. I ask for your grace in these troubling times. I ask for your wisdom so I can make the right decisions. I know that with you, I can get through the hardships in my life.
LIVE
Take the right action for your troubles at the right time! Keep a disciplined, faith-filled, optimistic attitude in life, and don’t underestimate the grace of God in your life. You will make it through your troubles!
#Faith #Trust #Grace
Featured photo downloaded from xframe.io.
