The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17
Recommended Reading: Psalm 73:25-28
Troubles can either drive us away from God or draw us near to God. Our response does not depend on the kind of trouble. Rather, our response depends on our heart and on our view of God. We can view Him either as the source of our trouble or the source of our tranquility.
If we view God as the source of our trouble, we will likely be resentful and self-pitying. But if we view Him as the source of our tranquility, we will draw near to Him knowing that He will draw near to us. As James wrote, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). And as Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
If you are in a time of trouble or testing, let your experience drive you closer to God rather than away from Him. In His presence, you will find the answers you need.
True peace comes not from the absence of trouble but from the presence of God.
Alexander Maclaren
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