"From Faith to Faith" with Tessa - Don't Worry, God Can Handle It!

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;"   - Psalm 34:19 

Honestly, when things are going great and troubles are few, it’s easy to carry on through life without scarcely missing a beat. But, what happens when things take a turn, the skies darken, and distress confronts you?

Things such as family, health, financial, marital and personal problems can take their toll. They can make us feel as if the walls are closing in, and there's nothing, or no one that can help. 

It's situations like these that really test our spirt and fortitude. Anxiety and worry produce fear, paranoia, and uneasiness. Indeed, this is the time when some turn to temporary relief in substances or practices that they normally wouldn't. 

Mercifully, it doesn't have to be so for the Christian believer. You might be asking yourself, "Wait a minute, why not!?" The answer is fairly simple. We, as believers, have the benefit of being able to speak directly with God.

And, who is better to take our problems to than God, creator of heaven and earth. There is no one (or nothing) else who possesses the power and authority to take control of any situation. 

When tribulation comes knocking at the door, believers are to humbly and thankfully come to Him with their troubles and anxieties. This includes our mature prayers in which we thank God for what he has done, and requesting help.

Allow me to share some Bible verses with you that reinforce what we have been discussing; that is, asking God for his help:

• John 14:13-14
• Matthew 7:7
• Psalm 121:2
• James 1:5
• Isaiah 41:10 
• Philippians 4:6-7
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Nahum 1:13
• 1 Chronicles 16:11 
• Hebrews 4:16

A caveat or warning is needed here, however. Following the Christian directions to diminish anxieties does not guarantee an untroubled life. Neither does it imply that supplementary help won't be needed.

What it does demonstrate, is the power of prayer when we approach God with our problems. Anyone who desires to draw near to God should always begin with prayer. It is a good way to help focus on our needs, and express our respect.

The late Jerry Bridges, a Christian author and speaker, put it well when he said, "The great antidote to anxiety is to come to God in prayer. We are to pray about everything. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, and nothing is too small to escape His attention."

God may or may not change the state of affairs, but He will alter our way of thinking about it so that it does not cause inner conflict or anguish. If we keep proper attention on the positive, we can know peace through the strength of the all-powerful God.

Scripture: Philippians 4:19; Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 40:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 14:14

Prayer: "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."  - Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)

Grace and blessings,

Tessa