WHEN DIFFICULTIES INVADE YOUR LIFE, WHAT DO YOU DO?

SCRIPTURE:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

MEDITATION:
Tough times have a way of separating the “wheat” from the “chaff”. 
In other words, when two people face similar dilemmas, 
one grows closer to God, bears spiritual fruit, and becomes more peaceful. 
The other becomes anxious, bitter in spirit, 
and full of secret doubts about the Lord’s faithfulness. 
The difference has to do with how each one responds to hardship.

We all know that hardship is part of life. 
Becoming a Christian does not change that fact.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world 
you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). 
What changes is our understanding of God’s sovereignty 
and our knowledge that nothing touches our lives unless He permits it.

The Lord allowed a murderous king to pursue David for years (1 Samuel 23). 
But the fugitive responded to his adversity with faith 
and called God his stronghold and refuge.
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)

We are confronted with challenges for many reasons. 
God intends for them to grow our faith, change our perspective, 
or deepen our compassion. 
Sometimes believers reach heaven 
before they understand why they’ve had to endure suffering.

But whatever the trial or God’s intention for it, 
He is available to help us in our affliction.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
We can turn toward Him for comfort, guidance, and support.

Or we can get angry and be resentful 
that we are not being rescued from our darkest valley.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

ACTION:
When problems strip away all of your strength, you have the Lord to depend on.
There is no better place to be than to be buoyed by your faithful and sovereign Lord. 
Are you going through a difficult time right now?
Take a deep breath, and even though it doesn’t make sense, thank the Lord.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rather than becoming devastated by your situation, think about how the Lord 
will use your affliction to increase your faith and draw you closer to Him.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your assurance that You are always with 
me and You have my best interest in mind. Whenever I am devastated by 
any situation, help me to turn to You first. Increase my faith so that I will 
better understand how in all things Your Will is for good in my life. Help 
me to thank You in all things. Thank You that Your love endures forever. 
Teach me to love others as You love me.”