Troubles provide perspective
by Jane Mueller
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‘God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray’ (Psalm 34:7).
What is troubling you today? A natural disaster, terrorism, a pandemic? Sickness, divorce, financial ruin? A tight deadline, a toxic colleague, a difficult conversation?
What challenges lie ahead for you tomorrow?
Fact: there are troubles in this life. There is grief, torment, pain, trauma, struggle, sadness and confusion. In our human frailty, we often cry out to God to eliminate our troubles. But what if we’re asking the wrong question? What if troubles serve a necessary eternal purpose?
Troubles are not a sign of God’s punishment, nor are they a sign of God’s absence. Troubles provide perspective. They highlight our dependence on God. It is often through our troubles that God’s glory is showcased and that we grow in a deeper relationship with him.
God didn’t remove the flames surrounding Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. God didn’t destroy the lions in the company of Daniel. God doesn’t promise to rescue us from our troubles, but he does promise to bring us through them. After all, we don’t walk into the darkest valley, we walk through it. We need fear nothing because God is with us.
Be confident in the promises of God. Trust in his presence and his provision. Do not let troubles consume your mind, but let God be at the centre of your thoughts. Your circumstances are not about you and your troubles; they are about you and your relationship with God.
If you’re in a fire today or if you’re surrounded by lions, know that through prayerful expectation God’s angel is right there with you, guarding you in all your ways and guiding your feet into the path of peace.
Heavenly Father, let your holy angel be with me, so that the evil one may have no power over me. I rest in the knowledge of your promise that fires will not burn me and lions will not crush me. Let my troubles be a testimony to your work in my life. Remind me that my troubles are momentary, and eternal glory far outweighs them all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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