Should God Always Be Consulted for Guidance?

Coping with the problems of life is not a matter of if there will be issues, but how they are resolved. All children, as well as adults, will have to face the problems of life. Children learn from their parents that problems are a normal part of human existence.

Constructively coping with problems includes facing what needs to be done to resolve issues. Courage derives from realizing accountability is associated with how problems are managed. Self-regulation is the key to success or failure.

Being accountable admits that failure is a good teacher. Facing life’s difficulties takes into consideration that being corrected is necessary for making appropriate choices. Impulsively making an important choice while neglecting to consult God for guidance is a recipe for failure. Consulting God for guidance is a step of faith and trust as well as a wonderful privilege.

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Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

~Psalm 37:4 New International Version        

“So do not fear, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

~Isaiah 41:10 New International Version

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Is Unhealthy Thinking Sinful?

How do unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns take charge of a person who seemingly is capable of acknowledging that what’s occurring is not in their best interest? Unreasonable, vicious thoughts can become a hindrance to God’s gift of peace and joy.

In fits of jealousy, Saul, the first king of Israel, believed David was his worst enemy. However, with God’s help, Saul occasionally could recognize the truth. Then suspicion would return along with the vicious thoughts that made David appear untrustworthy.

Negative thoughts were a hindrance to Saul’s mental health and wellbeing. Although Saul might have realized his fears were unrealistic, he failed to actively replace them with faith and trust in the Lord God. Isaiah 41:10 gives you a way to squelch fear and doubt: “Do not be afraid for I am with you. I am your God. Let nothing terrify you. I will make you strong and help you. I will protect you and save you.” Stay focused on God’s word. 

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So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of [Jesus Christ’s] return.

~1 Peter 1:6-7 The Living Bible

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Is Help Available for Those Facing Trouble?

Troubles can complicate the normal ebb and flow of life regardless of social status or religious beliefs. Trouble can be discouraging, especially for good, upright people who believe in God. Proverbs 11:8 offers support: “The righteous are rescued from trouble, but the wicked fall into it.”

This does not imply God’s people are exempt from trouble, but God helps them manage what must be faced. David believed in God, but his faith did not prevent Saul from becoming obsessed with murderous rage. God used Jonathan, Saul’s son, to rescue David on several occasions.

When you ask God for help to manage trouble, he may rescue you through the effort of others. Keep in mind David did not perpetually bring trouble on himself through irresponsible behavior, so the way was open for God to help him.

When faced with troubles, pursue help from God’s mercy and goodness and from God’s people.                    

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Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10 New American Standard Bible 

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What Is the Consequence of Unrelenting Suspicion?

Mismanaged emotions are a prime cause for alienation, separation, and divorce. What begins as a loving, trusting relationship deteriorates when suspicion and fear replace confidence and trust. Suspicion fosters possessive and controlling behavior.

The reason both justified and unjustified suspicion exist is lack of trust. Suspicion can be destructive, not only for the one possessing it, but for the one to whom it’s directed. Suspicion and fear inspire arguments and conflict.

The more suspicion is allowed to dominate, the more a relationship becomes dysfunctional. When Saul, the King of Israel, became suspicious of David, he tried to kill him. Saul’s fear was responsible for causing an inordinate amount of suffering and grief to David and to himself. God will heal fear and suspicion when they are surrendered to him without reservations, so trust him to do so. 

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Lord, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise!

~Jeremiah 17:14 Good News Bible

Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

~ Isaiah 41:10 Good News Bible 

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What Part Does Maturity Play in Relationships?

Compatibility is the essential link that makes another person acceptable. Lack of healthy emotional development identifies adults who have trouble sustaining relationships. Immaturity is often tied to failure to establish faithfulness to another person.

In established and stable relationships, loyalty and fidelity are the essentials of compatibility. Loyalty includes being faithful emotionally by placing the interest of a loved one above all others. This is what God’s word means when it compels couples to cleave to each other.

Compatibility is enhanced by maturity, which strengthens the bond of commitment essential to peace and security. 

Maturing as a Christian through Bible study and prayer prevents immaturity from dominating a relationship. Listen to 1 Peter 5:6: “Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power and he will honor you with wisdom and understanding.” This is the essence of maturity.                             

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Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10 Christian Standard Bible

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New Year Hopes: What Changes Are a Necessity for You?

We human beings need periodic change, whether or not we actually want it. We resist moving away from what is familiar because the threat of change creates anxiety or even fear. We will stay with what is familiar even when we are absolutely sure God would help us to change.

Overthinking what needs to be done is a means of putting off what should have been attended to much earlier. The beginning of a new year can be a new beginning for attending to your spiritual needs that have long since grown cold. 

Clear your mind and heart to make a place for God. Hear these words from Isaiah. “Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear, for I am your God. I will make you strong as I protect you with my arm and give you victory.” Anticipate the very presence of God as you visualize what can be accomplished with his help and provision. Happy New Year!                 

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Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the advice of the Lord will stand.

~Proverbs 19:21 New American Standard Bible

We wait in hope for the  Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

~Psalm 33:20-22 New International Version

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Can God Help You Do the Right Thing?

The percentage of those who commit murder in the population is relatively small, but they get a large portion of news coverage. Suicide bombers commit murder even though they may be classified as martyrs by radical groups. Yet God’s word clearly states, “You shall not murder.” There are motives for murder, but none is acceptable to God.

Cain, the son of Adam and Eve committed the first murder. He murdered his brother Abel while in a state of rage and jealousy. He hated his younger brother because he believed Able was favored by God, while he felt rejected. Resentment evolved into hatred and eclipsed the love he may have felt for his brother.

Abel became Cain’s enemy, which paved the way for hatred and the need for revenge and then turned Cain into a murderer. Cain had refused to listen to God’s previous, simple instructions, “If you do what is right, you will be acceptable.” Hatred is powerful, but God will give you the courage and strength to defeat it.  

      

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From the beginning we have heard that we should love one another. Don’t be like Cain. He belonged to the evil one. He murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because the things Cain had done were wrong. But the things his brother had done were right … We know that we have left our old dead way of life. And we have entered into new life. We know this because we love one another.       

~1 John 3:11-12,14 New International Reader’s Version 

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How Is Depression a Deterrent to Happiness?

The pursuit of happiness may vary with each individual since each person’s definition and need for happiness may differ. Two sisters who have the same parents could have opposite views of a career choice like being a stay-at-home mom. That choice may be perceived as wonderful by one but depressing to the other.

Depression is a deterrent to happiness. The mystery of depression is that there may be no apparent reason for its presence. It’s important to have a thorough evaluation by your physician to search for its cause. The longer depression remains an issue, the more  perplexing the challenge becomes to regain happiness.

God does not intend for us to be continuously unhappy, so perhaps now is the opportune time to trust God for making some long overdue changes for your life. Psalm 37:4 encourages you to “seek your happiness in the Lord God and he will provide your heart’s desires.” So commit yourself to Christ Jesus and follow his guidance.  

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[God says,] “Don’t be afraid, because I’m with you; don’t be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I’m truly helping you. I’m surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.”    

~Isaiah 41:10 International Standard Version

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In Each and Every Crisis, Choose God

 A lapse in confidence can happen when we’re faced with circumstances that appear out of bounds or when stretched to the limits of our capacity to cope. Overreacting in anger can produce painful results that are tough to endure. Moses reached the limits of his ability to cope when the people’s faith in the Lord vacillated with every major or minor crisis.

However, he refused to let failure and poor judgment determine if he would follow God's plan and purpose. Moses faced this choice when he learned he would not accompany his people into the Promised Land. His faith and trust in God’s goodness enabled him to face the future without becoming angry and disillusioned.

Moses refused to turn his back on God in a moment of crisis. He implored the people to choose God. This choice meant accepting the covenant relationship God offered them. Listen to Moses’ words: “The Lord himself is your shield and your sword to defend you and give you victory.” This promise is relevant for you.  

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“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

~Isaiah 41:10 New American Standard Bible

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Do You Care Enough?

When Adam and Eve ventured out in the Garden of Eden beyond the boundaries of God's plan, they automatically feared the worst when He came looking for them. It was then that feelings of uneasiness and dread surfaced. It's interesting how fear and guilt work in tandem against our feelings of security and peace of mind.

We, like Adam and Eve, try to hide and cover ourselves when we’ve betrayed God’s boundaries for us. What Adam and Eve learned is crucial for getting beyond failures and disappointment. God came looking for them to restore fellowship and communication so forgiveness and reconciliation could take place.

Communication can be difficult, but caring enough to communicate should mean sharing responsibility for causing pain and suffering. At this juncture it is possible for restoration to begin. God can change fear and hiding into joy and peaceful companionship when there’s the will to begin the process of making things right with God and others.

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So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.

~Matthew 5:23-24 Contemporary English Version

 

Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

~Isaiah 41:10 Good News Bible

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Signs of Trouble – Heads Up!

Some people appear to live a trouble-free existence, but let me assure you that no one is that fortunate. However, some individuals learn to manage trouble instead of allowing problems to control them. Proverbs 11:6 informs us that a "righteous man is rescued from trouble" because a righteous person has the option of responding differently. 

People who have Jesus have integrity that guides them when troubles appear. Cruel people ask for trouble because integrity and godliness are not a guiding force in their lives. A righteous person is rescued from trouble when God is present to prevent their ruination. 

When the pressures of trouble are coming on hard and fast, God’s word from Psalm 119 will prevent you from collapsing and giving up. “I'm single-minded in pursuit of you, O Lord. Please train me in the ways of wise living so I will not miss the road signs you post for me. I trust the promises you’ve placed in my heart, so I won't sin against you.” Jesus is your very present help in times of trouble.  

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Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

~ISAIAH 41:10 Good News Bible