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 As Saul’s troubles built up, his fear intensified after realizing God had withdrawn his spirit and blessing from him.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 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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Is the Presence of Christ Jesus Available Everywhere?

The majority of people desire to be happy during special events like family celebrations. For some individuals and families, holidays may be difficult to face for a multiplicity of reasons. When death or a divorce  occurs, grief is sure to be present at one of several stages.

Suppression of hurt feelings, sadness, and anger is okay for a given period of time, but not indefinitely. Everyone has put aside certain feelings and thoughts momentarily for the benefit of others as well as for themselves.

Seeking the presence of Christ Jesus to endure difficult moments or conflicting situations is a helpful way to manage. Jesus is a very present help in times of stress or trouble. 

While an event may be stressful, it is possible to rejoice in the support and compatibility of friends and family. Comfort is found in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, so you can rejoice and be glad.                        

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Jesus…said: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all people: Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always till the end of the world.”  

~Matthew 28:18-20 Beck – The New Testament in the Language of Today

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What's in a Name?

How important is a name? Names identify everything that exists, including you as a person. One of Adam’s first jobs was to name each animal, which was an impressive undertaking. Today each part and function of the human anatomy has a name. Names contribute to our security and well-being by providing identity and purpose.

When Moses encountered God at the burning bush in the desert of Median, God identified himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Still Moses wanted to know his name. God replied, "I am who I am." God’s name, I AM, gave Moses confidence, purpose, and direction for his life.

Most Christians know God as their Heavenly Father, and we are commanded to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. By what name do you identify God and his character? What helps you love him more completely? As you love him with your whole being, you will have a more fulfilling life.           

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God said, “I  am who I am. You must tell them: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

~Exodus 3:14 Good News Bible

 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

~Psalm 46:1 New International Version 

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Meeting Challenges with Confidence

Unexpected challenges periodically slip into our comfort zone to dislodge a well-ordered status quo. Strength of character can be defined by how we accept and respond to these challenges. There are times when a challenge seems beyond our ability to manage, but God promises to give us strength to endure and accept his good purpose for us.

Psalm 46:1 gives us God’s word for challenging times. “God is our hope and strength: a very present help in times of trouble.” When we've done all that we can do, we then turn over to God what we’re facing that’s beyond our skills and knowledge and wait for his purpose to be revealed.

So what is required from us as we turn over to God what appears to be an impossible situation? Trust is definitely a prerequisite for releasing into God’s care our deepest concerns. He provides faith to endure what can’t be changed, and endurance builds character that God approves of. What wonderful gifts!  

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See, God has come to save me! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song; he is my salvation.

~Isaiah 12:2 The Living 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

Followed by Troubles

Trouble can be unpredictable. So, it was with Joseph as he went looking for his brothers who were tending the family’s livestock. These jealous, angry brothers stripped Joseph of the coat their father had given him that made him look and feel like a prince. These hateful, angry brothers threw Joseph into a pit to wait for an opportune time to kill him.

Judah, the older brother, convinced the others to consider another option. A caravan going to Egypt was coming their way, so they sold Joseph for twenty shekels of silver, between $200 to $600. Troubles and opportunity would follow Joseph as he left his childhood and family behind.

In days of trouble and change, Psalm 46 is reassuring. "God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore, I will not fear though the earth be removed, and the mountains fall into the midst of the sea.” No matter how desperate you feel, God is greater than your troubles and will be an ever-present help to you.  

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God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble.

~NAHUM 1:7 The Message 

A Desperate Dilemma

Leah's dilemma was not unlike what each of us must face somewhere along life’s journey. Leah was married to Jacob, who didn’t love her, and it seemed that no matter how she tried, his affection belonged to Rachel, the wife he loved. God was aware of her unhappiness, so he gave her children to nurture and love.

 

While your situation may not be identical to Leah's, your resulting sorrow and pain can be similar. The resounding message that rings loud and clear is that God sees, he hears, he knows your situation whatever it may be. He will send help when there is a commitment to stand firm, to do what is humanly possible to make things better.

Doing what is required, although difficult or even unpleasant, will ultimately bring its rewards. You may be struggling in such a desperate situation and it may seem too difficult to endure, but reconsider. Ask the Lord God to send help. Be flexible and willing to try a new approach. God listens. He hears, and he provides answers. 

Christ's Coming: A Time of Transition - Part 3

When babies are placed into our care, we are then responsible for making choices to guide them through each stage of growth and development. This is to insure they will possess good emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Whether we acknowledge it or not, there is a myriad of God-appointed individuals whose purpose is to serve and be a blessing to us.

         During God-appointed transitions, it’s important to pray for those who guide us through critical changes. God sent Christ Jesus to be a very present help when life is stressful and we’re struggling. As we accept God’s gift of Christ Jesus, we are encouraged to pray for those God predestined to represent us. May you be blessed with the peace of Christ Jesus. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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To coordinate with KHCB’s “Five Days of Christmas” programming, I will post special Christmas thoughts on my blog Wednesday-Sunday, December 21-25. On those days, KHCB will air only Christmas music and short thoughts from the programmers.

On Monday, December 26, my blog posts again will coordinate with the radio broadcast schedule of Attitudes/Answers that airs at 5:45 PM on KHCB radio at 105.7FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, and FL, you may click on the KHCB link in the "About Me" section of this page.

A Challenge to Change - Part 1

In 1952 Adlai Stevenson presented this challenge to the Democratic National Convention: "Let's talk sense to the American people. Let's tell them the truth. There can be no gain without pain." People skirt around change, even good, positive change, to avoid pain like sadness, fear, and anxiety.

Making good, positive changes may include letting go of what is perceived as a secure place you know well but is no longer appropriate or good for you. The Hebrew people had to let go of what was familiar, even though it was bondage in Egypt. Remember how they wanted to return to that bondage when they had to face hard times and what they perceived as an uncertain future?

Choosing to change requires trusting God to be a very present help if trouble emerges. God may not prevent sadness, fear and anxiety from accompanying healthy change, but he does provide strength to endure when the way is uncertain. Trust this truth - Jesus is the light of the world that shines in times of trouble to guide you through the darkness.