What Is the Most Productive Method to Manage Trouble?

How problems are managed ultimately depends on a person’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their temperament and personality. Solutions to problems demand a test of intelligence and patience. New information, however, can generate confidence that will be valuable for a lifetime.

Seeking help for difficult problems can build tolerance for others who are different in temperament and personality. As Saul’s troubles built up, his fear intensified after realizing God had withdrawn his spirit and blessing from him. I can only imagine how overwhelming that was.

To help Saul cope, David played the harp for him hoping to soothe his troubled mind. However Saul immediately became fearful of David and perceived him as an enemy. In contrast to this mindset, think how pleasant and comforting it is knowing God is a very present help in times of trouble.

Begin each day with thanksgiving and praise for this wonderful assurance.           

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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact as you are doing.

~1 Thessalonians 5:11 New international Version

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

~Psalm 133:1 New International Version

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What and Whom Do You Trust When Confronting Trouble?

There are two basic types of trouble: those that are common for everyone and those brought on by a negative attitude or bad choices. Saul, who was Israel’s first king, demonstrated a bad attitude and poor choices in 1 Samuel 18 after David killed Goliath, which humiliated Saul.

Rather than accepting David as a hero, Saul became jealous and feared losing the people’s support. Saul’s suspicion made it impossible for him to trust that God’s intentions for David were only for good. Lack of trust is a precursor to jealousy and fear.

When trust is absent, trouble can be overwhelming. For David, trust and faith in God was a given for the troubles he faced. Listen to Psalm 22: “It was you, Lord, who brought me safely out of my mother’s womb … From the day I was born, you have been my God.” Trusting God is a choice, so decide now, at this moment, to trust him.

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Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command.

~Galatians 6:2 The Living Bible

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What Most Often Tests Your Faith and Resilience?

Daily troubles as well as those monstrous ones can have a powerful influence on our attitude and resilience. Are troubles designed to rob us of faith and confidence, or can they be an exercise in building determination to win a victory over every hindrance that life hurls our way?

When David was a young man, he killed Goliath, the Philistine giant. When Saul compared himself to David, he became jealous and conspired to kill David. Jealousy robbed Saul of the opportunity to mentor David, the person God selected to be the next king.

In life’s experiences we’re often forced to face troubles that test our faith and resilience. The most difficult task is coming to terms with how to manage the resulting suffering that cannot be ignored. In Psalm 50:15, God invites you to call upon him in days of trouble, for he promises to deliver you. Faith and trust help you conquer what seems impossible. 

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I am confident of this: that the one who has begun his good work in you will go on developing it until the day of Christ Jesus. 

~Philippians 1:6 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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What Helps You Conquer Obstacles?

Have you ever taken an unhurried road trip away from the interstate to enjoy the countryside? These quaint little places are delightful to those who love the experience of not being rushed. While some frustration is unavoidable, it doesn’t have to displace your joy and peace.

If I measure all I have and all I am by other people’s success, I will come up short. Saul fell into this trap by comparing himself to David even before he knew David would replace him as king. David killed Goliath and the people loudly voiced their love and approval for David.

What was viewed as trouble by Saul could have been perceived as a gift from God, but Saul’s confidence and mental state would not permit it. David had a heart for God resulting in confidence to face what seemed impossible. Instead of permitting trouble to conquer him, he conquered trouble by faith in God. 

Faith overcomes obstacles.  

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It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

~Psalm 18:32 New International Version

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What Helps Believers Survive Life's Troubles?

There are basically two paths to follow in life. The easiest is the self-directed way which consists of deciding what you want and then following  your instincts and intuitions to bring to fruition these desires. The most difficult path to follow is the one directed by the Holy Spirit.

This way – Jesus Christ is held up as "the way, the truth, and the life." Psalm 119:59-60 from the Good News Bible states: “I have considered my conduct, and I promise to follow your instructions. Without delay I hurry to obey your commands.” Have you made this turn in your life?

When God’s way is chosen, he gives wisdom and understanding for managing each situation. Listen to Psalm 37:39: “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord, who is their stronghold in times of trouble.” Faith and confidence are strengthened as you experience the presence of God in times of trouble. 

    

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And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 

~2 Corinthians 4:17 Good News Bible

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What Is Challenging About the Pursuit of Happiness?

Trouble is impossible to avoid. Job 5:7 states that “Man is born to trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward.” Troubles may come in the form of temptation or as a test of faith and trust in God to provide what’s needed to face each day’s issues.

Saul knew what God required of him, yet he seemed determined to live according to his own rules rather than what pleased God. On several occasions Saul was tested and invariably failed to do what was required. Perhaps it was impatience that overruled his better judgment.

Trouble can be challenging just to identify its source, but for Saul it was his need for recognition and acceptance that made him weak and vulnerable. When being tested, remember James 1:12: “God will bless you if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a blessed life just as he rewards everyone who loves him.” 

This is God’s promise to you.                            

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Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust in him and he will help you.

~Psalm 37:5 New Living Translation

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Can a Person Lose God's Favor and Protection?

One of the most tragic events in the life of Israel’s first king was the loss of God’s favor and protection. He lost these by deliberately failing to follow God’s rules. God withdrew his spirit because of Saul’s defiance. Saul chose to pursue what was in conflict with God’s plan and purpose.

As an adolescent Joseph Stalin was preparing to be a priest and servant of God, but under the influence of Vladimir Lenin he rejected God’s calling. Stalin threw away God’s blessing and protection and died an old man suffering from severe mood swings and a troubled soul.

After removing his favor and protection from Saul, God chose David to replace Saul – not because he was perfect, but because he was faithful. 

Choosing to follow God even when it’s difficult creates contentment and security. With God’s favor and blessing, strength to manage each day’s troubles is available. The joy of the Lord can be your strength.           

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After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

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Can Christians Guard Against Deception?

How easy is it to be deceived by others’ hidden motives or by what we personally want or crave? It’s imperative to guard against what would separate us from godly values or a clear conscience. Proverbs 14:12 warns us: “There is a way that seems right to us but may end in our death.”

Psalm 1 clearly states what we are to avoid: “Blessed is the person that does not seek the advice of wicked or evil people, who does not follow the example of sinners or hang around those who have no use for God.” Deliberately aligning yourself with evil will create heartache and suffering, while separating you from God’s blessings.

Living with the knowledge and wisdom God provides will prevent you from growing stale and vulnerable. Psalm 1 defines those who have energy for God: “Their delight is in doing what God wants. They meditate on God’s word continually, thinking about how to follow him more closely.” This is your source for peace and joy.                     

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Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16 Revised Standard Version 

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Is It Possible to Continue to Love God More Each Day?

Pushing up against the edge of what’s acceptable seems to be a human condition. TV news reported on a mother who lost custody of her children because of drug and alcohol abuse. The temptation to push the acceptable boundaries is common to everyone regardless of social status.

Israel’s King Saul is such a tragic personality that it’s difficult not to feel sorry for him. Did Saul perceive God as existing only beyond himself rather than residing within his heart and mind? He knew God existed and should be worshipped, but not as God who lives within the heart and mind.

Saul consistently pushed the boundaries beyond the edge of what pleased God which prevented him from feeling secure in God’s love. A way to honor and please God is to continually push to understand and love him more each day.                     

                                                      

Then you are approved with no need to feel rejected because you have been forgiven and cleansed of all sin.  

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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version

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What Principle Is Required for Keeping God Close?

Older adolescent children may push their moral and spiritual boundaries to the edge, seeking separation and individuation in order to establish a personal identity. Stretching the limits of their values is often motivated by the desire to please and be accepted by friends and peer groups.

What pulls adolescents or adults back to their spiritual and moral roots is an inner strength that enables them to love God and their family as well as the need to love and respect themselves. The love of God can reach beyond the worst fall into sin to rescue his willing son or daughter.

Saul, Israel’s king, was unwilling to override the impulse to do what was contrary to God’s plan and purpose. Keeping God close to your heart and mind is made possible by choosing to please him in all things. 

This is a strength that must be nurtured. God will help you accomplish this very important task.                           

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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  

~Hebrews 4:15-16 New International Version 

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What's Involved in Receiving a Clean Heart?

 Rare is the person who has perfectly lived up to their moral and spiritual values. Samuel, God’s judge, was outstanding in serving God faithfully from childhood but was imperfect. Saul, whom Samuel anointed king, failed to live up to God’s expectations, and this cost him God’s blessing.

This is similar to a son or daughter today whose defiance makes it impossible to live in peace with them. Saul demonstrated similar behavior. In 1 Samuel 15 he admits failure and asks for forgiveness, but only for selfish reasons.

Listen closely to Saul’s appeal to Samuel: “I have sinned against you and God. Please forgive me and come back with me to worship God. Please honor me in front of my army and the people.” He could have asked God to create in him a clean heart, to redeem him and restore their sacred fellowship – just as King David did later. 

God will create in you a clean heart so you can be restored to his presence.                      

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  

~Psalm 51:10-12 New American Standard Bible

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Do You Have a Deep Appreciation for Obedience?

What is the definition of failure? Is partial failure as significant as complete failure? When Saul, the king of Israel, was sent on a mission, God’s instructions were precise. The task was to annihilate an enemy of Israel, including all the livestock. However, Saul captured the king, and his army took the livestock for sacrifices and bounty.

Samuel, God’s judge, responded. “Does the Lord want offerings and sacrifices? No, he wants you to obey him. You refused to obey, so God decided you cannot be king.” Saul’s disobedience cost him God’s blessings and protection.

Do we behave like Saul by failing to remember that all we have or hope to be is totally dependent on God’s goodness and generosity? 

When we fail to do what we’re given to do, it’s important to immediately and sincerely repent in order to be restored to trust and fellowship with God. Nothing should ever be allowed to supersede our peace with God.

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 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

~Psalm 139:23 New International Version

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What Is Most Responsible for Self-sabotage?

What is the difference in feeling regretful for failing to live up to God’s expectations and feeling fearful when facing failure? By choosing to live on the edge of God’s spiritual and moral rules, sliding over the edge will occur. Living on the edge is a clear pathway to self-sabotage.

Samuel, Israel’s last judge, refused to live on that edge because of his love and dedication to God. Saul, Israel’s king, was ambivalent about God’s control in his life. Ambivalence reflected uncertainty about God’s place in his heart. For Samuel, keeping God’s word was paramount.

What sabotaged Saul was permitting uncertainty to determine his choices and behavior. Allowing God to rule in your life isn’t easy, but doable. God’s word encourages you to allow the peace Jesus gives to rule in your heart.

Do this because Jesus first loved you and came into the world to give you peace that lasts for all eternity. 

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I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions.…then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to. For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things the Holy Spirit tells us to do, and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us...

~Galatians 5:16-17 The Living Bible

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