9.2.7 "In Times of Trouble"

"In Times of Trouble"

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 22:15

What happens when troubling times come? In times of natural disaster we hear stories of people working together, but all too often we also know the stories of looting & theft. Rioting is not as rare as it should be in a country such as ours. If you remember Hurricane Katrina 2 years ago, there were murders in the Dome where people were going for refuge.

What can be said? What comes in times of trouble?

A dear friend gave me a book that my wife & I are reading together. It's titled, "anonymous". The author quotes a friend who states, "I feel that trials do not prepare us for what's to come as much as they reveal what we've done with our lives up to this point." That's a powerful statement. What has been revealed in your times of trouble?

Psalm 46:1-3
"God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up, and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!"

The ocean may have roared, a city may be under the sea. The will of man may fail, but our God is God!

There are those who want to live life to the full and figure at the last minute they will turn to God. But we can see through events such as this that many die as they lived. The 'god' within these individuals reveals itself. Selfishness and rage can take over. Lawlessness. What is revealed in the Godly?

Psalm 46:4-6
"There is a river of joy flowing through the City of our God - the sacred home of the God above all gods. God himself is living in that City; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. The nations rant and rave in anger - but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin."

In the people of God, there is a river of Joy that runs deeper than any trouble. When we see the turmoil at the surface, we need to go deeper. Too often we don't go deep enough. We allow our eyes to see and accept the pictures seen of calamity, and when those around us ask "Why", we have no answer. If this world is the extent of reality, then all is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 "But as I looked at everything I had tried, it was all so useless, a chasing of the wind, and there was nothing really worthwhile anywhere."

Living a life without purpose is not living. Knowing in our heart that God has a plan and purpose equips us to stand in the midst of the chaos and say, "Here is the Way! Here is the Hope". Imagine the impact you can have on a hopeless individual when you tell them, "God has a plan for you're life!"

Paul says in 2 Corinthians, "The world ignores us, but we are known to God; we live close to death, but here we are, still very much alive. We have been injured but kept from death. Our hearts ache, but at the same time we have the joy of the Lord. We are poor, but we give rich spiritual gifts to others. We own nothing, and yet we enjoy everything." (2 Cor. 6:9-10)

It isn't always easy, but we know it is worth it!!!

Today you may have the opportunity to rescue someone hiding in the attic of fear. Deep in your heart you know God is in control. You have the resources to give them a lifeline. Don't miss the opportunity!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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