When We Face Difficult Times
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord, let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness, let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy, no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened, he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard, he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 1
God promises that when we face difficult times, He will be with us. He wants to be our teacher and guide, but we must be willing to respond to Him. We need to:
Have a longing to follow His way. The Bible compares that longing to a deer panting for water (Psalm 42:1). So, too, should we act, seeking His direction rather than relying on our own initiative.
Be willing to learn from the Lord. When we seek His guidance, God transforms our adversities into learning opportunities. This was the case with Hannah, who pleaded for a son (1 Samuel 1:1-10), and with Mary and Martha at the death of their brother Lazarus (John 11:17-27). We need a willing spirit to learn what He wants to teach us.
Submit to His will. Before He reveals His solution to us, God asks us to commit to His way. The Lord calls us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and to recognize that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Declaring our commitment to His way is always best.
Difficulties are inevitable, but they are also valuable. God accompanies us in each of them, only asking for a humble heart, a teachable spirit and that we surrender to His will.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness because in my life I have been very rebellious. Many times I have done things my own way and I have paid the consequences. But now, Lord, I ask You to help me do it differently. I want to feed that longing to follow You, every day. I am willing to learn from You and submit to Your will. I want to have a humble heart and a teachable spirit. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. Psalm 34:1-7 (NLT).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.