When we are in trouble, the last thing we need is to have it doubled. But, so often that can happen if we react to our problems with anxiety and worry. The unintended result is that we double our trouble and make things worse.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
It is so natural and human to become troubled when we encounter trouble and I am certainly no exception. But, by the grace of God, I believe I have learned some helpful tools.
In addition to daily prayer and Bible reading, I use Google as a quick way to locate Bible verses. Recently, I have been searching for verses on hope. Biblegateway.com and other Bible websites have key word search options to locate verses and have Bible commentaries as well.
In addition, watching and listening to the news can cause me to feel troubled. So, I limit myself and only watch the local and world news once each day. Some days I only watch one or the other but I don’t re-watch the news. I pray as I watch and then change the channel or turn off the television when I am done for the day.
We will all experience trouble in varying degrees as a result of living in a sinful and fallen world. Sometimes we are victims of another person’s actions and other times we bring it on ourselves.
Regardless of the source, the Bible clearly tells us that we can expect trouble in this world and in life.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” (NIV)
And Job 14:1 says,
How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! (NLT)
So, then the question is not whether we will have trouble, but how will we react to it when it comes?
Will we allow ourselves to be troubled in trouble?
The Lord tells us how to respond in John 14:27 which says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)
Jesus doesn’t say that being troubled isn’t a good idea, but He says don’t let it happen. We can make a choice to be troubled in trouble or not.
We generally become troubled because we feel anxious and worried. But, the Bible cautions us against these negative emotions.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(NIV)
1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (NIV)
Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (NIV)
Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NIV)
Anxiety and worry are unproductive, unnecessary and even harmful for us. What can we do instead? We can pray, because prayer is productive, necessary and beneficial.
We can release our troubles to the Lord and put our faith and trust in Him.
We can meditate on and memorize Scripture. We can recite appropriate Bible verses and speak Biblically based affirmations to help us.
And we can choose to receive the peace of God as the following verses state.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (NIV)
And in John 14:27 He said, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (NIV)
Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.”(NIV)
Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”(NIV)
2 Thessalonians 3:16 says,
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV)
Thankfully, we can seek the Lord and rely on Him when trouble comes. We don’t have to become troubled when we have trouble.
Are you enjoying the peace of the Lord today?
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