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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Can Joy Be Found in What God Provides?

A man well into his midlife years labeled a current significant loss as the story of his life. For this person, others always have been to blame for the tragedies he consistently has experienced. If this attitude continues into his senior years, he is in danger of developing permanent bitterness.

To prevent bitterness, each person must acknowledge the existence of what is good and find joy in what God is providing. 

This will not negate irresponsible choices of the past, but help you establish new patterns and choices for living now and in the future.

God is always at work to show you how to benefit from the obvious mistakes of the past. Believe God is concerned for your future, which potentially can be good as you cooperate with God to make it good. Pray for guidance in finding godly, successful people to mentor you. Trust in the Lord always instead of your own understanding. 

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My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.

~James 1:2-4 Contemporary English Version

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For a Bright Future, Light Your Pathway

Hope is comparable to a light that illuminates the pathway to the future, and seeing it come to fruition is like coming home to a reception filled with joyful celebration. Hope provides motivation for maintaining focus and staying on track, but critical for hope to materialize is avoiding distractions by confronting them.

As individuals progress into later adulthood, the object of hope may be retirement filled with relaxation, travel, and enjoyment of family and friends. Realistic hope is coupled with staying healthy in body and mind, eating properly, getting exercise, and taking medication as prescribed. Hope for a bright future involves preparation.

To avoid being distracted by the cares of the world, stay focused on God’s word for encouragement. Listen to Zephaniah 3:17. “The Lord your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you and his love will give you new life.” Hope centered in Jesus Christ helps you stay focused.  

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Then Jesus again addressed them and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever continues to follow me need never walk in darkness, but will enjoy the light that means life.

~John 8:12 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Faith's Priority ~ Mighty God

What’s included in your list of priorities as you prepare for this wonderful time of the year? If you were to list them in order of their priority, would they be doable with joy, or a bit overwhelming? Faith’s priority for Christmas means that nothing supersedes what the Almighty God intended with the birth of Christ Jesus.    

 

So what does it mean to have faith in order for priorities to be set and maintained? Faith means to have complete trust and confidence that our Mighty God is at work in his world to bring about His plan for the salvation of all humankind through His Son Christ Jesus. May this be your confidence, your trust and priority as you celebrate Jesus, the Mighty God. May God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called … Mighty God…

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.

~Luke 1:49 New American Standard Bible

This wonderful knowledge comes from the Lord All-Powerful, who has such great wisdom.

~Isaiah 28:29 Contemporary English Version

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

~Zephaniah 3:17 New International Version