Should the Presence of God Be Desired When Facing Trouble?

Facing trouble is not an occasional experience, for each new day presents new trouble. Yet most people begin the day convinced they are in charge of their serenity. Then when critical issues arise, they feel comforted by believing God is present to help.

When David came into Saul’s life, Saul felt fortunate and pleased. Saul gave him a high commission in the army that previously had gone to experienced commanders. As David’s success accrued, the more praise and admiration the people voiced for him

1 Samuel 18 informs us Saul began to fear David, even perceived him as an enemy as his ability to cope with David’s success faded away. There’s a correlation between managing life’s troubles and sensing God’s presence to give insight and wisdom for problem solving. 

Jesus prompts us to seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness so that help will be forthcoming.                        

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We rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

~Romans 5:3-5 New Living Translation

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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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Distorted Reality

Jealousy distorts the way we think, feel and believe. When David killed Goliath, Saul the king appointed him to a high position in the army. As David continued to prove himself in battle and the people began to sing his praises, Saul believed David was after his kingdom. Prompted by jealousy, Saul tried to kill him on several occasions.

As Saul’s thinking patterns became distorted by jealousy, David became his enemy instead of a faithful servant who loved and honored him. Resentment allied with jealousy made it possible for the king’s mind to distort just about everything in his world. Resentment is closely related to fear, and fear adds fuel to the fire of jealousy.

Saul failed to understand that he could be loved and respected on his own merits. Galatians 5:22 encourages us to permit the Holy Spirit to diminish the impact of jealousy. The Holy Spirit's power produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Why not yield to that power now?