Prayer Journal

Thursday, April 26, 2001

116/249

Read the Bible through in OneYear

"For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me." Psalm 40:12

We know David recognized the trouble that came upon him by virtue of his sins. But we also know that many times David's foes sought to take him out when he was innocent. If that's not trouble, then what is?

It's obvious that believers receive trouble in this life from their adversaries, but it's equally obvious that much trouble is introduced into our life by God, who is trying to get our attention. What is God's desire in doing such a thing? Simply, He wants us to recognize our sin, confess it and repent.

Satan does his part too. Scripture says that when we are serving God and least expect it, Satan "sucker" punches us. (1 Peter 5:8) He knows that when we serve the Lord and the going gets tough, most will say, "Who needs this kind of trouble?", before shrinking back to acceptable levels of Churchianity. What God knows, is such attacks from Satan should create even stronger desire in us to work for the Lord. Will Satan back off when he sees God is getting victory from work designed to defeat and destroy believers? More than likely!

This morning, I ask you to identify the source of your trouble. You have trouble, I'm sure. But do you know where your trouble comes from? Was it sin that led to your situation or was it being worthy to suffer persecution for righteousness sake that prompted it?

For encouragement in this area, read the 34th Psalm and you will find that God comforts the heart of his children regardless of the source of their problems. But you should understand that each one of us has a responsibility to react to trouble, so it's imperative that we know where our grief comes from.

I submit that much trouble comes from unconfessed sin and it should prompt us to confess it, asking for forgiveness and God's help in overcoming it's influence. But, trouble coming by reason of nothing we've done wrong also requires a proper response. In those situations, our response should be to praise God for allowing us to suffer. But we should also seek to understand what God is trying to teach us through our troubles.

Unfortunately, every day of our lives is probably marked by "knee-jerk" reactions to trial and tribulation. If you don't understand the illustration, it's like the reaction of our muscles to sudden external pressure. When our knee is tapped with a small, but hard rubber device in the doctor's office, our muscles should generate a reflex action in response to the impact. Christian living should be no different, except our natural reflex should be to bring honor and glory to God, not to our sinful nature. (Romans 8:5-11)

It's natural to try to avoid consequences and escape criticism. But it's not right to pass blame to others or hold in our anger until the muscles in our face hardens into a visible scowl. Do you think such a response is pleasing to our Father? I think not! He wants us to go to Him in prayer with ALL our needs. We certainly don't glorify God or demonstrate Christ-likeness when we "blow our top under pressure," and won't pray.

I challenge you today to search out the source of your trouble and commit to respond in the way Jesus would. Are you the source of your trouble, or is God or Satan? Such action will please the Father and give the world an idea of what godliness looks like! Praise becomes the Christian, does it not!

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.

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