What to Do in Times of Trouble

We’ve all had trouble in our lives.  If you’re not in the middle of some right now, don’t worry...you will be soon! 

That doesn’t sound very faith-like, does it?  But it’s scriptural.  When I did a word search on the word “trouble” in the NIV Bible, I found 133 references!  Psalm 34:19 plainly says, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, and for some really good examples of trouble, read up on the apostle Paul!

So there’s no use feeling like a victim when trouble comes.  You’re probably not doing anything wrong—it’s just a part of life in this world.  That means you shouldn’t be surprised when trouble comes...you should just be ready! 

You see, God knows you’ll face trouble, and His plan is to bring you out on top every time! Look at the rest of Psalm 34:19...but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Instead of wailing, “Why me?”  when trouble comes your way, you can have a purposeful, proven plan for victory! 

A Check List

My favorite two scriptures for times of trouble are Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 2:14.  Go look ‘em up.  They’ll encourage your faith.  Then check this list to be sure you’re implementing all the tools God’s given you for the victory over trouble.

Count it all joy.  Okay, you knew that James 1:2 says, Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, didn’t you.  But have you done it?  I find that most Christians just don’t do this when trouble comes. Yet, God tells us specifically to do it!  Not because trouble is joy, but because He thinks you’re coming out on top!  Joy is power (Neh 8:10). God can work best in an atmosphere of praise.  I really like what one minister says: “doubt despairs, complains and is sad; faith rejoices, believes and is glad!”

Use Your Faith.  Mark 9:23 says, All things are possible to him who believes.  When trouble comes, don’t just sit there like a victim, push against it with your faith.  Be a believer, not a doubter. Speak the Word.  Stir yourself up and remember the Greater One lives in you.  Resist the devil and get aggressive with what belongs to you!

Put the Word in.  Joshua 1:8 says, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  There’s more than enough power in the Word of God (mixed with faith in your heart) to get the victory every time. But most of the time, yesterday’s faith isn’t good enough for today’s trouble. Sometimes we “word people” are running on fumes. So shut off everything else and saturate your spirit in God’s answer book. Drastic times call for drastic measures.

Call Those Things That Be Not as Though They Were (Romans 4:17).  Anybody can say what they have...and get more of it!  You do have whatever you’re saying (Mark 11:23). Check your words, and start saying what you want. 

Put Action to Your Faith.  There’s no harvest without a seed (Luke 6:38).  You have to move first.  Sow a seed against your need, whether it’s time or love or money or taking a step of faith that God shows you.  Give Him something to work with; something natural for Him to add His “super” to. 

Set Your Face Like Flint.  Memorize Isaiah 50:7.  Decide that if anyone is going to come out on top in this situation, it’s going to be you.  You can’t lose if you refuse to quit!