Notes of Faith July 21, 2026
Responding to Trouble
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17
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
Is there anyone that does not experience trouble? In your own heart and mind, you know if you are blaming and rebelling against God or drawing near to Him as your source of peace when the winds of trial are blowing. Let His Spirit work on the hardness of your heart. Know the truth of His love and care for you. Turn toward Him and run to His grace, mercy, love and peace, that you might be comforted even in the hardest of struggles in this life. He will be with you. His Spirit lives inside the believer and follower of Jesus. May you be blessed by His presence as you move through this day and every day that you are given on earth!
Ps 73:25-28
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Pastor Dale