Troubling Times

We live in troubling times.  People are dealing with financial stress as a result of work hours being cut or their job eliminated altogether.  It’s very difficult for the average family to make ends meet.  I can’t imagine facing such troubling times without God, yet many people blame God for all the bad things that happen to them.  Matthew 6:25—34 says:

            Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will

            drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body

            more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor

            gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not more value than

            they? . . .Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:  they neither toil nor spin; and yet

            I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  . . .

            Therefore do not worry . . .For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these

            things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall

            be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry

            about its own things. 

This is the difference between people of faith and people who do not have faith—we know our Lord truly does care about us.  Unfortunately, it’s still very difficult to get through times of financial need, sickness, unemployment, lost wages, and family strife.  I was thinking about this just the other day; I know how that putting this faith into practice is much easier said than done.  I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but I feel impressed to also include a section from my favorite devotional Streams in the Desert. While I didn’t write the following section, it always speaks to the depths of my soul every time I read it. I pray it speaks to the depth of your soul as well:

This think is from me (I Kings 12:24)

Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.

        My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread.  It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon

which to rest your weary head.  This thing is from ME.

            Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too?  For “he that toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4).  Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

            I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

            Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by peoples who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background?  This thing is from Me.  I am the God of circumstances.

            Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

            Have you not asked to be made humble?  See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

            Are you in money difficulties?  Is it hard to make both ends meet?  This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me.  My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:19).  I would have your prove my promises.  Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).

            Are you passing through a night of sorrow?  This thing is from Me.  I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief.  I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16—17).  Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness?  This thing is from Me.  I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons.  “They also serve who only stand and wait” (“Upon is Blindness, Milton).  Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

            This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil.  Make use of it free, My child.  Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it.  The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. LAURA A. BARTER SNOW.

 

I’ll end with this—God is faithful; He’s proved Himself over and over in my life.  Trust Him; He’s waiting for you to rely on Him.  In a perfect world, this would be easy . . .