23 June 2023 - Turn to God in difficult times

During the following few days, we are going to focus on the traits needed to overcome difficult times.

Everyone struggles with their own difficulties. When you add it all up, life can get difficult and complicated. In these challenging times, we should know how to trust God in difficult times.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Hard times are part of life. Just as the good, happy, and joyous times are part of life, so are the difficult and hard times. The truth of that matter is that no one is exempt from troubles and challenges.

The Bible speaks about 'when trouble comes' not 'if trouble comes'. The wonderful thing that we can know during hard times is that the Lord is with us.

Psalm 50:15 (NLT) Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

God promises us that He will be with us when things are difficult.

“One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking on the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of life there was only one set of footprints. He noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: 'Lord, you said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.'

The Lord Replied: 'My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'” - Carolyn Joyce Carty

Psalm 27:5 (NKJV) For in the time of trouble. He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

1 Thessalonians 3:7 (AMPC) Brethren, for this reason, in our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence).

I conclude with Psalm 50:15 (NKJV) Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”