Troubles

Currently, we are facing a global pandemic. So I thought it would be a good idea to write something about facing troubles.

The dictionary defines trouble as: (noun) “a state or condition of distress, annoyance, or difficulty.” And “a condition of physical distress or ill health”.

How about we take a look at what the Bible has to say on the subject?

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  –  John 16:33

In this statement Jesus was issuing a prophetic warning to His disciples about facing troubles in the world. But it was also a message of hope. Jesus told them that He has overcome the world.

In our lives, things come and go. Bad things will happen, and good things will happen. It’s an up and down cycle.

When the bad things happen we tend to get very down and discouraged. For example, we received a cancer diagnosis. We are a stiff-necked people and tend to think that we can get through them ourselves. But we are completely wrong in our thinking. It is times such as these that we must depend on God to carry us through. Because He is the only one who can.

In Psalm 18:2 we see:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

It is during the good times that we forget to thank God for them. They are His blessings upon us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we see:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul’s words to the Church in Thessalonica appear to be pretty difficult to follow. Did he really mean that we are to rejoice and give thanks to God during the troublesome times just as we do during the good times? The answer to that question is yes, he did.

The Lord God has a purpose in everything He does, and allows to happen. And His purposes never go unfulfilled. In Job 42:2 we see: “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

It Proverbs 19:21 we see it again: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

There is hope in the words of the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So dear reader, whatever comes your way, rejoice in the Lord. Talk with Him through prayer. And know that He will work everything out for your good, if only you believe in Him.

The Steadfast Watchman