We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

~2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT

We are experiencing troubling times.

These are times of uncertainty. We read of bad news on every front. The virus hasn’t gone away. Inflation is through the roof. The cost of fuel is reaching unprecedented highs, and food costs continue to rise. Wars and rumors of wars are the recent headlines.

At times like this, it is good to remember that God is not the author of fear. Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). Only the enemy of our souls attempts to control us through fear. We don’t need to yield to this trickster. Instead, we can rely on our God, who is always good even in troubling times.

Know the Lord has not abdicated His throne nor given His place to anyone or anything. He is still our stronghold, our fortress, and the strength of our lives. His eternal Word is settled in Heaven.

Go on a treasure hunt in your Bible. Receive each promise that you find and meditate on them so you can keep the right mindset. One of my favorites is Philippians 4:8 NKJV, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” Even in troubling times, if we look around, we can still find good things happening. We can appreciate a crisp morning, a spectacular sunset, a bluebird, flowers springing to life, or the smile of a friend or grandchild. The list goes on. These blessings are Heaven-sent.

We are on a mission, like Paul, to share the gospel, so we can focus on this goal as well. The apostle Paul had many times of trouble during his journey. He reminded the church in Corinth, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT). Paul shares how he was imprisoned, suffered beatings, was shipwrecked, and almost stoned to death. He feared for his life many times, but he knew through all his experiences that the Lord would protect and keep him. Every second he was supposed to be on earth, he would be, and after that, he had Heaven to gain. Look to the life of Paul and be encouraged. He did not give up. He pressed on with his mission and kept God in his thoughts.

Friend, don’t be driven to despair by the troubling reports you see and hear. God is still in control. Shake off the oppression. Rejoice that our God reigns. He will always reign, and He is with us.

Where do you find strength and comfort in times of trouble?

Father God, remind me that You are the Source of my life, and my strength in good times and in bad. There is no one like You, Lord. Thank You for always loving and providing for me daily and for Your presence. Thank You for Your Word and the encouragement I find there. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction:

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