"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"-Psalm 46:1-2
Difficult times can deceive you. They can make you think your problem is unique to every one else's in the world. Ordeals can cause you to lose sight of all the positive things you have going for yourself, in spite of your troubles. During these times God can seem so far away. You might even be tempted to ask, "Where is God when it hurts?"
Those so-called undeserved trials are the ones that really get you. When you have done something dumb, and you know that's why you are paying the price you are, you can more readily accept the costs. But what about those tests that seem to come out of left field, and you can find no rhyme or reason for their visitation?
Some of our dismay during tough times comes from our misconceptions in this area. The sole reason some people first placed their faith in God is they were tired of suffering and they wanted relief and shelter from pain. Okay, but nowhere in the Bible are we promised that if we serve God He will shield us from all pain and loss. What He promised is that He will never leave or forsake us, and that He will bring us out of every trial. Our life must become driven by faith in these promises, if we are to remain anchored during our personal storms.
The alternative is to allow our lives to become driven by our circumstances. This approach tends to makes us feel close to God when things are good and abandoned by Him when things are bad. The truth of the matter is this: the more difficult times are the more present God is with us.
Dear God, thank You for Your special presence during the difficult times in my life. I will not be greatly moved by my circumstances. Amen.
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