The Most Important Thing to Do In Troubled Times

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Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Costs rising. Medications unavailable. Health failing. And ___________. (You fill in the blank.)

Most of us look around and feel like we are living in “troubled times.”

We shouldn’t be surprised. It’s really nothing new. Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble.” (John 16:33a) He said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” (Matthew 24:6) And, “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues.” (Luke 21:11)

And many years before Jesus spoke those words, God prompted the Psalmist to write…

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

God is our safety and strength when we are living in troubled times. Even when we are facing problems that feel overwhelming . . . we can be confident that He is able to save us.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46:2

What’s the reason followers of Jesus are able to live with confidence without fear?

It’s as simple as knowing that God loves us.

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.

1 John 4:18a (NCV)

No matter what He allows He promises that He will be with us and this is not the end of our story.

When “nations are in chaos and kingdoms crumble”…

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress. 

Psalm 46:7

Whatever is happening in our lives or in the world around us we can hold on to this truth from Psalm 46…

“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

Psalm 46:10

Other versions translate “be still” like this:

• Stop fighting. (CSB)
• Calm down. (CEV)
• Let go of your concerns. (GW)
• Cease striving. (LSB)
• Be quiet. (NLV)

Yes, in this world we will have trouble but Jesus added…

“But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33b

Jesus defeated sin, death, and the enemy of our souls. He won the victory and you and I can “be still” . . . we can let go of our concerns, and we can take heart because we are known and loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

He never leaves us alone during our troubled times. Whatever we are going through . . .He promises that He is with us.

David wrote, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me.” Psalm 23:4

Isaiah shared these words of the Lord, “I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

And Paul wrote, “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:35, 37

Whatever God allows, whatever trouble we face, whatever causes us to be concerned . . . we can “be still” knowing the Lord God Almighty is with us. He is always ready to help in times of trouble.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for God’s Help
to Be Still in Troubled Times

Father, Your Word tells me to “be still” and trust You. I know I try to do too much on my own. I worry needlessly and turn to worldly solutions when facing spiritual problems. Please forgive me.

Through Jesus, You have won the victory over the enemy and the evil he promotes throughout the world and in our lives. You have saved us from sin and death. You give us everything we need to fight our battles and You tell us we can cease striving, stop fighting, and let go of our concerns all because of who You are, what You’ve done, and what You continue to do.

So, I will run to You. When I walk through a dark valley, I will trust that You are with me. When I feel like I’m alone, I will trust Your promise to hold me close. And when I’m confronted with affliction, distress, persecution, or lack, I will run to You for help trusting that there is nothing in this world that can separate me from Your love.

I give myself to You. I believe that Jesus died for me, that He was raised to life, and that He sits at Your right hand pleading on my behalf. I believe that it is by grace that I have been saved. And it is my heart’s desire to thank and praise You now and forevermore. Amen.

When you and I are confronted with difficulties, the enemy of our souls wants us to blame God and doubt His love . . . to question the Lord’s ability to take care of us and worry that even if He can turn things around—He won’t.

But we have God’s promises and He always keeps His promises.

So even when life is hard and we don’t understand, we can say with confidence…

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28

May God bless you and help you through troubled times as you remember that Jesus has overcome the world.

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