Trials of Life got You Down? Take Heart

The storms of life seem to be raging all around me. Friends with major health concerns, others struggling with difficult job situations, and several burying loved ones. My heart aches. It’s overwhelming.

In the midst of all these trials, God has been constant. When I’m tempted to give in to fear, He offers peace

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“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33

The choice

When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, He was sharing the truth about upcoming events. He would be arrested and led off and the disciples would run away. They had a choice to make: believe what Christ said and accept His peace during difficulty, or trust their limited understanding and be blindsided with fear when things didn’t happen the way they expected.
Maybe the disciples thought Jesus would soon become a king. He had been telling them He would die; it was part of His plan all along. There could be no crown without the cross.

Looking ahead

Jesus clearly stated that the disciples (and all future believers) would have tribulation while they lived on earth. I’m sure that’s not what they wanted to hear. But Jesus completed His statement with encouraging words – the disciples didn’t have to fret, in fact, they could be happy because He overcame the world and all its hardships.
Life on earth wasn’t all there was for them to look forward to. One day, they would live in heaven with Jesus – the One who paid the sin debt of everyone in the world, and there would be no more sorrow or heartache.

How do these truths apply to us?

Reality is tough. Because of sin, we will go through lots of difficult situations. But we don’t have to go through them alone – Jesus walks every step of the way with us. Here are some things to consider:

Think about who God is

He is the creator and sustainer of life. He is mighty and powerful; all-knowing, just and holy, and full of mercy. He is on your side.

“Thou art good, and doest good, teach me thy statutes.”Psalm 119:68

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”Psalm 18:2

Remember God’s faithfulness

Just as Moses reminded the children of Israel to remember all God had done to free them from slavery, feed them in the wilderness, overthrow their enemies, and bring them into the Promised Land – we need to recall all God has done in our lives.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”1 John 1:9

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”Matthew 6:31-32

Trust Him

When we know who God is and remember His faithfulness, trust follows. Trusting the God who created us brings calm in the midst of the storm.

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“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”Psalm 62:8

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”Psalm 34:4

Your turn

What are you going through? Are you consumed by fear or experiencing God’s peace in your trial?

Can I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your precious Word that communicates Your heart. You love me. And even though I will experience trials and difficulties in this life, You will be faithful to walk with me and extend Your peace. Help me trust You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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