Christian Living

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There are so many ways that fear can grip us in the course of our lives. Finances, an accident of some kind, illnesses, loss of a job, an ongoing bad situation, and a limitless number of others. It is not wrong to fear, but when we take the next step, will it be toward further fear or trust in God’s ability to save us from the trouble? Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when trouble comes your way:

Purpose If you look at many of the godly examples in the Bible, they had one thing in common—when trouble came they focused on God rather than what was assaulting them. Remember, in I Samuel when David came back from war and the city of Ziklag was destroyed and everyone was captured? What did David do? There was talk of mutiny among his men, but David refreeshed himself in the Lord. He took time to get alone with God and concentrate on trusting God in the middle of a bad and dangerous situatiion.
How about in Numbers when the twelve spies went to search out the Promised Land? Joshua and Caleb had good reports about what they saw, the others were gripped by fear and did not inherit the blessing God had promised. Instead, Joshua and Caleb and the descendants of these people had to wait 40 years for its fulfillment. Try to see what God sees in the situation and trust Him to act in your behalf. Leave room for Him to work without your meddling and worrying about it. This is a hard assignment when lives are on the line and you feel like you are going down for the count, but it is what God requires for us to see a turnaround. Purpose in your heart to trust God no matter what, then stand fast and watch God work.

Intensify Whatever it takes to get closer to God, do it. Increase your giving, read and study the Word more, spend more time in prayer, unclutter your life of distractions, etc. It is not just a physical or emotional assault, but a spiritual one as well. “Turn up the burner” of your relationship with God and take it to the next level. Look for any unconfessed sin in your life, perhaps, as well. Anything that could put a block between your answer and God. Don’t do this in a condemnatory way but in an honest look at your life. God does not want you to be condemning yourself, but to be honest with yourself and Him.

Trust One thing you can do to increase your trust quotient is to get as many people praying for you as possible. Seek those who will pray for you daily, not just in an offhand manner. Seek out godly counsel, not just anyone you know. Do this with an attitude of prayer, step=by=step, until you find God’s answer. Surround yourself with people who will be supportive, not degrading. You don’t need a lot of people to confide in, one or two is enough if God is in it. Pray unceasingly, with an attitude of prayer as you select whom to confide in. Set a course and stick with it regardless of what people are saying, once you have found the answer.

P. I. T. So the next time you find yourself in the pit of circumstances, remember: purpose in your heart to focus on what God can do; intensify your relationship with Him; then trust the results to His power.

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