WHEN TROUBLE COMES

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). Trouble is inevitable, and we have all had and will continue having bouts with it. It is the "Straw that broke the camel's back." Trouble is like a member of the family - every time we look around, it is there. It is a powerful keg of explosives that damages and destroys families, friendships, relationships, and memberships. Its strong current of destruction brews and zaps us like a bolt of lightning that strikes when we least expect it. In other words, trouble is one of those storms we face in life that does not play fair. Sometimes its explosions are so powerful and furious until it gives us a sudden urge to give up because of fear. That fear hinders our ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and our lives begin to look bleak and hopeless. Other times, trouble can appear as a tiny 'firecracker' with just enough 'bang' to remind us that "it is still there."

From another perspective, we sometimes become confused about what steps to take when trouble does come. During those crucial moments, the Lord protects and shelters us from danger, in harm way, by hiding us under his pavilion like a mother hen protecting her chicks. "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5). Who is better able to protect us from danger than the One who birthed us into the world?

The Late Timothy Wright wrote a song entitled, "Trouble Don't Last Always". Hallelujah! We are assured by our unwavering faith in the Word of God that when trouble does come we have a Savior who will guide us through every situation. Our problems may seem grim, but God promises that He will never put more on us than we can bear. A testament to that promise is reflected when we prevail during the course of us going into, going through, or coming out of a storm, that the end results cannot be attributed to us but by our faith in Jesus Christ.

Trouble is truly on every hand, and no matter how swift we are on our feet, it will eventually catch up with us. But having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ renews our spiritual strength and endurance to meet some problems with a degree of expectancy. For the battles we encounter are not ours; they are the Lord's. " . . . when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2(b)(c)).