Ancient Words For Today - 7
It is easy to rejoice in the Lord when He answers our prayers (the way we expect they should be answered) and when He is blessing us with good things that we recognize are from the hand of God. However, when difficult circumstances are weighing heavily in our lives, such as marital conflicts, health problems, financial worries, loss of a loved one, conflicts with others, etc., we so often complain to God and ask questions such as Why does God allow it?, or, If God loves me then why doesn't He remove the difficulties from my life? Sometimes as we pass through these low valleys of our lives, the thought about whether God is real may also cross our minds or even be planted there by the enemy.
When we are going through such trials, and it seems like God is not answering our prayers, remember that God is with you and still loves you and He will use the situation for good. When there are things we don't understand about God, instead of trying to figure Him out, it is best to fall back on the wealth of information that we do know about God and his plan for us.
What we can know about God can be found in the Bible, the Word of God. Wisdom from and about God also can come through Christian friends that come along side to help and encourage us when we are experiencing circumstances bigger than our ability to handle or resolve. But God also speaks directly to our hearts and assures us by giving us His perfect peace that passes understanding. Below are a few Bible verses to remember for difficult times:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried:
he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Psalm 18:30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you,and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20
We can rejoice in all circumstances because, as Christians, our names
have been written in heaven and we will spend eternity in the presence of God!