Do God's Requirements for Us Change?

Trouble is often analogous to being caught in a briar patch. While troubles can be discouraging, most can be managed. There are strategies for diminishing trouble’s impact. The first strategy is to correctly evaluate it to prevent you from overreacting, which produces stress and anxiety.

Facing trouble is similar to experiencing pain and believing the worst case. The other extreme is denying a problem exists. Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, waited too long to seek help, and cancer killed him. So consult with qualified professionals.

“In the days of my trouble I will call on you, O Lord, and you will answer me” was David’s faith when trouble confronted him. David asked his friend Jonathan for help to avoid being caught and killed by Saul. 

God will send help, so be alert and ready to receive it, but be patient, for God’s time frame is always best.                         

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He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8 New International Version

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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 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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