Take Your Troubles to God

What do you seek when you are in trouble? Who do you seek when things are going badly? Where do you run to find safety? To whom do you go to find solace? Are you going to the right place, the right people, and seeking the right things? Have you considered going to God?

When things go badly, we often turn to people we know, even if we cannot always trust them. Some people will turn to drugs or alcohol. Some eat or shop. Some hide their misery. Many seek only a temporary solution rather than something that will last.

Rather than only looking for human solutions to our troubles, we should take a page out of Job’s play book. He sought God, longing to meet him and lay out his case before him. Job was sure that God would listen to him. He wanted to go to God’s place to stand before him. Job knew that God could solve all his problems.

We can go to God at any time, and we should definitely go to him when we are facing troubles. We can step into the throne room and plead our case before him. We can rest assured that he will answer us, even if not in the timeframe we want. We can also trust that God always has our best interest at heart.

Going before is for our sake, for our conscience. God already knows. But we need to go before him to acknowledge him as God and to get our concerns off our chest. He is the perfect counselor. As we trust him with what is frustrating us or getting us down, our trust increases when he answers us. We can go to our family, friends, or trusted advisors. But don’t forget to go to God, too.

I pray we all have people we trust in our lives. I pray we know we can trust God with everything. I pray each one of us will step into God’s throne room and plead our cases before him. Trust God. Go to God with everything. Take your troubles to God. Know that God has your best interest at heart.

Job 23:3

Oh, that I knew where I might find him, 

that I might come even to his dwelling!

Salvation Has Come

What is salvation to you? Do you think of it as a “get out of jail free card?” Is it a reward for being good? Do you ever think about salvation? Or have you taken it for granted, allowing it to pass from your mind? Has it come to your house?

Salvation is a churchy word we hear thrown around from time-to-time. Anyone not familiar with those churchy words not only do not know what they mean but treat them as meaningless gibberish. We should not cast them aside so easily.

There was one individual who was so curious about Jesus that he climbed a tree to see Him. We may remember the story of Zacchaeus. We may have sung the children’s song about him. But do we understand why he was so curious?

Zacchaeus was a tax collector. He was hated by his fellow Jews. He was considered a traitor. Yet, Zacchaeus must have longed to fellowship with his fellow Jews. He certainly had not completely thrown away his belief in God. Otherwise, he would not have sought to see Jesus.

Perhaps we should be more like Zacchaeus. Perhaps we should seek Jesus out. Perhaps we need to understand better what salvation is. It is a free gift given to us for nothing more than our acceptance of Jesus into our hearts. Based on Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus, he had accepted Jesus for who He is and committed to following Him. We would do well to do the same.

I pray we all seek to see Jesus every day. I pray we know that Jesus gives us salvation when we accept Him into our hearts. I pray each one of us will choose to follow Jesus just as Zacchaeus did. Always seek Jesus. Accept Jesus. Be saved. Follow Jesus. Trust Jesus.

Luke 19:9-10 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Attitude of a Child

Do you like little children? Do you love holding babies? How do you treat those little ones? Do you point them to Jesus or turn them away from Him? Are you sure you know? Have you considered it is not merely by words but by actions that we influence children?

Most of us love babies. We enjoy holding them and cooing to them. We enjoy watching them learning to walk, until they start getting into things they shouldn’t. As children grow older, they slowly lose the adorableness we first saw in them, even if the parents are late noticing.

Yet, our influence on our children is long lasting and can continue for their entire lives. If we are educating them about Jesus, we are doing well. Teaching them about Jesus does not mean we drop them off at church or rely solely on a Sunday School teacher. Children are far smarter and observant than we give them credit for. What does this mean for us?

As we raise our children, we must be cognizant of our behavior and actions as well. We must not take the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” If we truly want our children to be followers of Jesus, to live lives in accordance with God’s plan, we must model that for them. We must submit our lives to God and demonstrate what that looks like to our children.

Jesus also tells us we must accept Him as a child does. That means we must be fully dependent on Him. We must submit ourselves to Him. We must turn to Him for our needs, guidance, and our well-being. When we turn to Jesus as a small child does its parent, we inherit the kingdom of God.

I pray we all enjoy our children and grandchildren. I pray we teach them about Jesus. I pray each one of us model submitting to Jesus and following Him to our children and grandchildren. Teach children about Jesus. Accept Jesus like a child. Be a positive role model for children.

Mark 10:14-15 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

Lower Than Angels

Do you seek glory for yourself? Are you seeking to be recognized by large numbers of people? For what are you seeking recognition? Job performance? Brilliance? An invention? Are you seeking to be honored by others? Will you give up your honor for someone else?

We often seek to be recognized by others for a significant accomplishment. We want others to think highly of us. Finding our five minutes of fame, or far more than that, is a lifelong pursuit for many people. They are willing to give up everything to be known by the public.

Though we may seek glory, it is often born out of our desire to be in control. Unfortunately, we are not in control. It is only when we realize God is in control and that we are to submit to him that we will truly live. But it is not just about how we live nor the life we can make for ourselves on this earth. It is about something far greater than that.

Jesus came down from heaven, from a place of pure perfection, to live a human life for roughly thirty-three years so that He would experience what we experience. He knows our feelings, our disappointments, our joys, and our desires. But His main purpose was to suffer a horrible death so that we might have eternal life. In suffering that horrible death He earned a crown of glory greater than any other crown.

I pray we all give up seeking our own glory. I pray we realize God is in control. I pray each one of us know that Jesus came to suffer a death we deserve so we can have eternal life. Stop seeking glory. Know God is in control. Know Jesus suffered a horrible death. Trust He died for your eternal life.

Hebrews 2:8b-9 Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Superior to Angels

What is you view of Jesus? What is your opinion of Him? Do you view Him as a friend? A brother? A genie who fulfills wishes? Or do you see Him as Almighty God? Someone who keeps His promises? Do you view Him as being majestic? Do you believe He is superior to everyone?

Our viewpoints of Jesus vary. They may vary from one day to the next. When we are in trouble, we may view Him as someone who can saves us. When we are happy, we may view Him as our brother. When we are in need, we may think of Him as our provider.

Though it may be understandable to view Jesus as different based on our circumstances, we must never lose the image of Him as Almighty God. He sits on a throne in heaven. He is majestic in appearance and presence. He is superior to all the angels. He is superior to any and every human being. His name is above all names.

Jesus showed us who God is in human form when He walked this earth. He showed us how to have compassion on our fellow humans. He showed us how to look toward things that are permanent rather than things that are temporary. He showed us how we should prioritize our lives to serve God. We must remember that Jesus can be viewed in many ways, but always remember He is far superior to all of us.

I pray we all have our different viewpoints of Jesus. I pray we continue to remember Jesus is God. I pray each one of us can picture Him as a majestic King sitting on His throne in heaven. See Jesus from different viewpoints. Remember He is God. See Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. See Him as majestic.

Hebrews 1:3-4 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Prophets and Son

Do you have questions about how God communicates or has communicated? Do you find it difficult to believe God talks directly to people? Are you unsure about God speaking to the prophets of the Old Testament? Are you willing to believe his Son?

Many people in our world have a difficult time thinking God talks with people. If they are not followers of Jesus, it is an understandable point of view. But some followers of Jesus find it difficult to believe in today’s world, even if they believe God spoke to the prophets of old.

Perhaps because it is hard to believe for anyone who has not experienced is the one of the lesser reasons God sent his Son to be a human and walk this earth. By sending his Son, God did not diminish the fact he talked directly to the prophets of old. Nor did he diminish the fact that he still talks with people occasionally today. But by sending Jesus, God makes it a firsthand conversation between flesh and flesh.

Lest we think Jesus is nothing more than a messenger Himself, notice what the writer of Hebrews states about Him. It was through Jesus the worlds were created. By the way, notice that word is plural. Every planet in the universe was created through Jesus. Not only were they created through Him, but everything on every planet was created through Him. We sometimes forget that Jesus is God, one third of the Trinity. He has all the power of God. Therefore, we can trust Him to fulfill every promise.

I pray we all trust that God speaks to people. I pray we know Jesus came to earth to show us God’s image. I pray each one of us know that everything that has been created was created through Jesus. Trust that God speaks to people. Know that Jesus is the image of God. Know that Jesus is God. Know that everything was created through Jesus.

Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.

The Lesson of Job

What is your normal reaction when things go awry? Do you react with strong negative emotions? Does your reaction change the situation? Do your negative emotions continue to build on themselves, getting worse? Have you considered a different way to react?

When things go bad, we often react negatively. When things go from bad to worse, our countenance falls to the floor. We may reach the point of giving up. We may be beyond consolation. Yet, there is another way, a better way to react to such circumstances.

Job was a man who lost everything but his wife and his home. He was a very rich man. His five hundred oxen and five hundred donkeys were taken by thieves and many of his servants were killed. His seven thousand sheep were destroyed. His three thousand camels were stolen. His three daughters and seven sons were killed. Only a few of his servants escaped the destruction to report to him what had happened.

Job was hit hard. He was in anguish. He wept. And he worshiped. Though Job had lost nearly everything, he did not blame God. Can you imagine having to bury 10 of your children on the same day? Job not only had to do that, but had seen the wealth he had built over the course of his life disappear.

When things go badly for us, we may experience anguish. But that doesn’t mean we should blame God for our situation. Instead, we should bow to God in worship. We should trust that God is still in control. It may be painful for a while, but God has something good planned for us. God may not double our wealth as he did for Job, but he will provide for us. It will only be later, when we look back over time, that we will see how God has worked in our lives.

I pray we all learn the lesson of Job. I pray we trust God to provide in all circumstances. I pray each one of us will choose to worship God in all circumstances, trusting he is in control. Worship God. Trust God. Know he is always with you. Know he will provide for you.

Job 2:9-10 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Who Will You Choose?

How do you view Satan? Does he scare you? Are you afraid of what he may do? Does your fear cause you to bend to his will? Are you tired of living in fear? Have you considered that Satan must answer to God? Do you know that by trusting God you have no reason to fear Satan?

Despite how the movies portray him, Satan is not red with horns and carries a pitchfork. He doesn’t appear as a monster as some movies want to portray him. He is far more cunning than that. He likes to portray himself as someone we can trust.

But Satan must answer to God. We see early in the book of Job that Satan presented himself before God. When God summons him, he has no choice. Satan knows he must submit to God’s governance. He knows he has lost the war with God. His desire is simple. He wants to steal as many people as he can from God. He does that by fooling them, luring them, and tricking them to come to him rather than God.

When we allow ourselves to fall for Satan’s tricks, we lose. If you are like me, you don’t like to lose. The only way to win is to choose God rather than Satan. The battles occur every day. They come as little battles and big battles. Yet, they are all battles, and we have a choice. We can choose to fall for Satan’s schemes, or we can choose to trust in God. Every moment of every day is a choice. Who will we choose?

I pray we all realize Satan must submit to God. I pray we lose our fear of Satan. I pray each one of us will choose to trust in God rather than fall for Satan’s foolish tricks and schemes. Do not fear Satan. Know he must submit to God. Trust God. Know he is always with you. Know God is in control.

Job 2:1 One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord.

Power of Prayer

Where do you turn when you are in need? Do you seek out family, friends, or co-workers? Have you ever considered asking someone you consider an enemy? Are you surprised by that question? What if that is where you need to seek healing?

We all need help. Some of us are less reliant on help than others. Yet, we all have to accept help at various times during our lives. It is when the help comes from an unexpected source that we are surprised. Especially if it comes from someone we do not like.

James tells us prayer is powerful. But we should take notice of what he says just before that. He talks about healing the sick through prayer and faith. We may experience physical healing through prayer. But let’s consider spiritual healing rather than physical healing.

Spiritual healing certainly comes through prayer and our relationship with Jesus. James says we are to confess our sins, then he says to pray for one another. Is it a coincidence he uses that order? I think not. I believe he is saying that we should confess to those we have sinned against, then they are to pray for us, and healing is experienced by both parties.

That sounds like the early church. It sounds like the church that met every day in the first century. It sounds like the small groups John Wesley organized. It sounds like something God would desire us to do today. We might reconsider how we go about prayer and spiritual healing.

I pray we all confess and ask for forgiveness from one another. I pray we pray for one another. I pray each one of us will experience the spiritual healing that comes from confession and prayer over us. Confess to God. Ask God for forgiveness. Pray for physical healing. Pray for spiritual healing.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Reactions

How do you react when things go wrong? What are your thoughts when you have an illness? How do you feel when you can’t pay your bills? How do you react when something great happens? What do you think when an unexpected windfall happens?

Our feelings and reactions can go from one extreme to the other, depending on the situation. When things are not going well, we can be in the dumps, looking to blame someone, and maybe blame God. When things are going great, we enjoy it and like to take credit for it.

But how should we react? James tells us how. When things are not going well, when we are sick, when we are struggling, when it seems the whole world is against us, we should pray. Telling God how we are feeling, asking why, asking him to step in, and even venting to God should be our reaction. God knows what we are going through, but he wants us to talk to him.

When things are moving along well, when we have plenty of money, when we are in love, when everything seems to fall in place, we should sing praises to God. Rather than taking credit for our good fortunes, we are to praise God for his blessings. After all, every good thing we have and every good thing that happens to us is from God.

It is easy for us to say how we should react. It is harder to do so in both types of situations. When we are down in the dumps, we often don’t look up. We merely keep trying harder and sometimes continue to dig the hole deeper. When everything is going well, our pride takes over and we take credit for it. We must remember that God is always at work in our lives, and he never leaves us.

I pray we all spend time in prayer. I pray we take time to sing praises to God. I pray each one of us knows God is always with us, always working in our lives, and always wants to hear from us. Spend time in prayer. Sing God’s praises. Know God is always with you. Know God is always working. Know God will listen to you.

James 5:13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.