Perhaps you ever feel like King David when he asked of God in Psalm 10, “Why O LORD do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
When we so often go through times of trouble we wonder where God is, especially if we can’t seem to catch a break. Honestly I have been through a couple of tough years, and wondered many times “God are you even here, do you hear my prayers?” Dr. Jerry Falwell used to say; “You are either in trouble, coming out of trouble, or about to get the phone call.” True right? Somewhere we are in one of these categories. Life is full of troubles, but it is so nice to know, as a Christian and child of God I have safety and comfort in my Lord. I joked with my husband and mom that a few years ago I got that “phone call” and have been on the phone for too long and now finally can end the call. But ahhh life just doesn’t give you a break does it? I almost wish I could press the ignore button on the phone of life or even silence it.
I can say many times I have asked God the simple question of “Why”. I admit many of my “whys” were because of on own misjudgment; but Jesus in all His sovereignty still calls for us to rely on Him. Even when we have walked from His light and into darkness He still awaits for our return. When we return He is there; He delights when we come home to Him.
Because we are continuously facing trials it so important for us to cling to God, He said He is our strong tower, our place of refuge. Let me just give a few suggestions when we are going through our storms of life;
1. Pray. Pray. Pray. But don’t talk too much that you miss God’s reply. Jesus said in Luke 22:46, “Get up and Pray so you will not fall into temptation.” I believe the worst thing we could do during a bad situation is lean on our understanding instead of acknowledging God (Proverbs 3).
2. Wait on the Lord and know He is God. “Be still and know that I am God”-Psalm 46:10
a. How do you wait on the Lord?
i. Never be too busy for the Lord. Be quiet, pray, read the Word of God and seek counsel from Godly men or women.
ii. Dr. Falwell said, “The urgent is often unimportant”. Isn’t this true. We think we are in dire need, but precious one, God is there and will provide every time on His time.
iii. Seek God; Jeremiah 2913-14 “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you declares the LORD and I will bring you back from captivity.”
3. Do no fret or worry, but delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:1,4,7)
a. How is this so you may ask?
i. Jesus said in Luke 12:22 “Do not worry about your life”
ii. In Psalm 37:4 the Word says Delight yourself in God and He will give you the desires of your heart. The Hebrew word for delight is “anag” which means to enjoy, mock, imitate”. You see when we become so close to the Lord we want to “mock/imitate” what He does and our desires become His desires. Hence He will give us the desires of our heart.
4. Once God responds to our prayers and lies upon our hearts what He requires, do not hesitate, just GO. We will reap benefits if we are obedient to His command.
a. Galatians 6:8-9, “The one who sows to please the Holy Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
b. Remember to just GO! Or consequently you may just end up in the belly of a big fish like Jonah if you ignore God.
He hears your cries beloved ones, but you must seek Him first! When you get the dreaded phone call; call on the name of the LORD, He is your Father, let Him help you. If you are still on the phone, seek Him for guidance, and remember this too shall pass. Finally, when you can hang the phone up and have peace, Praise His holy and glorious name, because you are now stronger because of Him.
Jeremiah 29:11 God said “I have plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.” Amen!
A song by Avalon entitled You were there!http://www.youtube.com/wat
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