We will face trials. Jesus told us that plainly in John 16:33. And the storms of life can test us severely. But Psalm 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (NIV)
Where do you look when you go through darkness? Do you seek help at all? You should! And you should first look to God. "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV) While others may be able to help you a little bit, it will never compare to the help God can give you, "for the help of man is worthless." (Psalm 108:12b)
Don't get me wrong. You should definitely draw strength from your brothers and sisters in Christ. But don't stop there, and don't put them ahead of God. The psalmist continues on in verse 13 to say, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Our victory is found in Him!
Jesus knows what you're going through. Nothing that happens to you is a surprise to Him. Knowing that, it may then be a natural response to turn against Him. But such a tendency is of the flesh. Live instead in the Spirit! When you learn to lean on Him and trust in Him, your battles will be a lot easier to handle, because you will then realize that He is with you! In Hebrews 13:5, we are told that God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV) Also remember, "the battle is not yours, but God's." (See 2 Chronicles 20:15.)
God does not expect you to fight on your own. Time and time again in His Word we are told to trust in Him. Sometimes, we try to do too much, when we should actually be still. Exodus 14:14 tells us, "'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" (NIV) Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (NIV) Seek Him. Ask Him for help and guidance. Then, proceed with the direction of the Holy Spirit.
And always remember, even in the trouble: Praise Him! There is always something to be thankful for, and thus, a reason to praise Him!
Pray this prayer: Father, help me through my trials. I hold onto Your promises. I cannot do this alone. I need Your help. Guide and direct me. Strengthen me in You. Be with me, as You have promised in Your word to do. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Remember: God is good, all the time. And all the time...God is good!
God bless you!
--Michael
Don't get me wrong. You should definitely draw strength from your brothers and sisters in Christ. But don't stop there, and don't put them ahead of God. The psalmist continues on in verse 13 to say, "With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Our victory is found in Him!
Jesus knows what you're going through. Nothing that happens to you is a surprise to Him. Knowing that, it may then be a natural response to turn against Him. But such a tendency is of the flesh. Live instead in the Spirit! When you learn to lean on Him and trust in Him, your battles will be a lot easier to handle, because you will then realize that He is with you! In Hebrews 13:5, we are told that God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV) Also remember, "the battle is not yours, but God's." (See 2 Chronicles 20:15.)
God does not expect you to fight on your own. Time and time again in His Word we are told to trust in Him. Sometimes, we try to do too much, when we should actually be still. Exodus 14:14 tells us, "'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" (NIV) Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (NIV) Seek Him. Ask Him for help and guidance. Then, proceed with the direction of the Holy Spirit.
And always remember, even in the trouble: Praise Him! There is always something to be thankful for, and thus, a reason to praise Him!
Pray this prayer: Father, help me through my trials. I hold onto Your promises. I cannot do this alone. I need Your help. Guide and direct me. Strengthen me in You. Be with me, as You have promised in Your word to do. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Remember: God is good, all the time. And all the time...God is good!
God bless you!
--Michael
