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.

The Bad News

These are times of uncertainty. Bad news lurks on every front. COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. Inflation is through the roof. Fuel costs are reaching unprecedented highs, and food costs continue to rise. Wars and rumors of wars are the recent headlines.

At times like this, however, it is good to remember that God does not author fear.

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.

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.

The Good News

When fearful, we can go on a treasure hunt for promises in our Bibles. When we find them, we can receive each promise and meditate on it to keep the right mindset. One of my favorites is in Philippians. 

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.

~Philippians 4:8 NKJV

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.

Like Paul, we are on a mission to share the gospel. He had many times of trouble during his journey.

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, beaten, 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.

Paul’s example should encourage us. He did not give up. Instead, he pressed on with his mission and kept God in his thoughts.

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 God reigns and will always be with you. 

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’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Troubling Times: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved