When Times Are Hard What do We Do?

With all that is going on in the world and in our country in particular with the down economy, the harsh political climate, and the erosion of the culture, many believers are asking “What is going on”. All I know is this, GOD is in charge, He is allowing things to happen as he sees fit and it is in the long run always for HIS glory, not ours. Whether we see it or not, understand it or not, you can be rest assured that it is for HIS glory, part of his grand design.

One of the most difficult scriptures to understand is Isaiah 45: 7

I create the light and make the darkness.
I send good times and bad times.
I, the LORD, am the one who does these things. (NLT)

So, how do we as believers cope with all that is going on around us knowing that God is allowing these things to happen?

1) We submit to his will and place our burdens and lack of understanding at his feet. Psalm 46:10 says “cease striving and know that I am GOD “ (NASB) some translations have it as “Be still” but the message is the same.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us in Matthew 11: 28 – 30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

Paul wrote in 1 Th 5: 16 -17 to “Be Joyful always, Pray continually” (NIV) .

Surrender is not a one time thing. It must take place daily, moment by moment, situation by situation.

2) We must remember that we are his children:
1 John 3:1

1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (NIV)

Roman 8: 15-16 says

“15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (NIV)

3) We need to develop an eternal perspective. We are only here a short time. All of the turmoil we face on a day to day basis pales in comparison to what awaits.

Romans: 8:18 is applicable here : “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (NASB)

Go read last weeks post again and remember, "Victory is ours"

I hope this has helped somebody. Until the next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.