What Helps You Recognize the Voice of Jesus?

Trouble can invariably steal away a peaceful and contented lifestyle when we’re least expecting its intrusion. This infers that no one has the privilege of avoiding trouble that visits each person at varying intervals throughout life. Even children face issues that could overwhelm adults.

Everyone must learn strategies for managing problems at different levels of intensity. David, out of necessity, learned to use the slingshot to protect himself and his sheep from predators. A basic strategy David used to manage his troubles was to seek God with all of his heart and then ask him for help.

Jesus reminds us that he is the Good Shepherd and his sheep know his voice and follow him. There isn’t a situation you could be facing that’s beyond help from God. 

Jesus specifically encourages you to call on him when you are troubled and he will answer according to your need. Eagerly wait for Jesus to respond to your call for help. 

_________ 

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

~Proverbs 10:9 New International Version

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.   

Is It Always Possible to Remain in God's Plan and Purpose?

Time doesn’t always present an opportunity to assess how trouble can be managed best. In a documentary on predators, a wolf had stripped away a large piece of meat from a dead animal. As she stopped to enjoy her meal, an eagle promptly swooped down and snatched the meat from her.

As a young man, David was naïve enough to believe Saul would never think of him as a rival. Saul was David’s father-in-law and the father of his best friend Jonathan. Imagine Saul, in a fit of rage, hurling a spear at David with the psychotic intent to kill him!

A strategy David tested to sidestep Saul’s jealousy was to walk away. Sidestepping a conflictual situation can symbolize God’s willingness to help in times of trouble. 

While David was never able to be at peace with Saul, David remained faithful to God’s plan and purpose by being a man after God’s own heart. You can remain in God’s favor as well when faced with trouble.                     

_________ 

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:30-31 New International Version

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Managing the Falling Rain

Managing trouble is a life-long task. The rain falls on the just and unjust, the righteous and evil people. However, it’s possible to invite troubles by the lifestyle you choose to live. Trouble does not mean God has withdrawn his blessings or protection from you, but when trouble comes, he will help you manage and conquer it.  

          When Joseph flaunted his favorite-child status before his brothers, he encouraged their hatred. By harboring hatred, Joseph's brothers acted out in ways they would come to regret. Consumed by hatred, they lost their objectivity, so the ability to ask God for tolerance and insight was out of the question. 

Listen to Psalm 119 from The Message. These words will help you manage trouble. "You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right – you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; and now you expect us to live it," and we are thankful. Are you?

               

_________________

For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

~MATTHEW 5:45b The Living Bible

But I will sing about your strength every morning. I will sing aloud of your constant love. You have been a refuge for me, a shelter in my time of trouble.

~PSALM 59:16 Good News Bible