God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in"); document.writeln("times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains"); document.writeln("crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble"); document.writeln("as the waters surge! Interlude
"); document.writeln("A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred"); document.writeln("home of the Most High. God dwells in that city, it cannot be destroyed. From"); document.writeln("the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their"); document.writeln("kingdoms crumble! God\'€™s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven\'€™s"); document.writeln("Armies is here among us, the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
"); document.writeln("Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he"); document.writeln("brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth."); document.writeln("He breaks the bow and snaps the spear, he burns the shields with fire. \'€œBe"); document.writeln("still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be"); document.writeln("honored throughout the world.\'€ The Lord of Heaven\'€™s Armies is here among us, the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude1
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Difficult times are inevitable. Loved ones die. Friends face"); document.writeln("illness. Our spouse loses his/her job. The range of human pain is wide, but God"); document.writeln("comforts us in all our tribulations.
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The passage today speaks of great calamities, some from"); document.writeln("natural causes and others caused by men.
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Such trials often puzzle us, but verse 10 tells us where to"); document.writeln("turn. Followers of the Heavenly Father should be calm and remember that He is"); document.writeln("the sovereign Lord of the universe. The key to dealing with difficulties lies"); document.writeln("in trusting in the One who controls all things.
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Instead of trying to handle the situation our own way, we"); document.writeln("should wait for God to act and trust that He will work on our behalf (Isaiah"); document.writeln("64:4). This involves taking time to be alone with the Heavenly Father, praying"); document.writeln("and meditating on His Word and listening to Him.
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Our instinct drives us to want to take control, yet God"); document.writeln("wants us to wait on Him. He also tells us to give up our expectations and"); document.writeln("submit to His plan.
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How do you react when problems arise? Whether your current"); document.writeln("circumstances are good or not, take the time to wait on the Lord and trust that"); document.writeln("He is in control.
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Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me"); document.writeln("because many times I want to be the one in control of the situation. I surrender control of my life and every difficult situation I face. You"); document.writeln("see everything, but my vision is limited. I give you control so that Your will"); document.writeln("and purpose in my life may be fulfilled. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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1. "); document.writeln("Psalm 46 (NLT).
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Today\'s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
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This and other devotionals by Richard (Dick) Innes can be read online.
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