In seasons of trials, fear can be overpowering.  Our troubles often lead us to doubt God and His ability to deliver us, leading to hopelessness and making it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  The palmist David experienced fear personally but decided to trust God.  How did David arrive at this conclusion?

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When we follow the Lord and obey His word, we expect only good from Him. Yet, Job learned during his season of suffering that difficult circumstances can occur even when we are faithful. God commended him as one who walked uprightly, feared the Lord, and shunned evil, yet he still faced severe trials. Why did God allow him to suffer?

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It’s estimated that many people have at least $35,000 in credit card debt. Because of the accrued interest, it will take many years for some to repay it. We do not like to deprive ourselves of those things that please us, so we reach out for our plastic cards without a second thought. However, the bill arrived to our discontent, and we realized we could not pay the minimum. We ponder and wish someone would pay the debt for us. But the good news is someone has paid all our debt.

We are encouraged to be grateful despite our circumstances, but some say, "How can I give thanks when I have not received my answer to prayer?" 

Learning to wait takes discipline however, waiting in silence requires yet more. Often, we don’t do very well when required to wait. Many times we do it noisily through complaining or grumbling, often falling into a “why me” mindset. In my experience, when I’ve allowed anxious thoughts to dictate my responses to situations I could not control, I was faced with great disappointment. In reaching this point, I unconsciously chose fear over faith as my constant companion.

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Sometimes, we say or do things unintentionally that hurt others, especially those closest to us. The moment we take the step to make right what we’ve done, seeking forgiveness and restoration, joy and satisfaction fill our hearts. How much more knowing that when we have sinned against God, He readily forgives us when we come to Him in humble repentance? But you may ask how can God forgive my sins, when I’ve done evil in His sight?

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Have you felt trapped or imprisoned by circumstances beyond your control? Are you being held hostage by fears and anxious thoughts? Many psalms begin with the psalmists pleading to God for help in their distress and finish with echoes of praise to God even when they had yet to see deliverance. What was their secret?

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There are times when God tests our faith. He often tests our faith when we cannot see what lies ahead. God often does not work according to our preconceived ideas. He doesn’t initially reveal all the details. How can we move forward and rust God when we can’t see what lies ahead? 

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One question that often arises is why does God allow suffering? There is so much I still do not know and much that I still don’t understand. I cannot be so quick in my conclusions or my responses; I recognize that I don’t have a complete picture (or panoramic view) of all God is doing in my life and the world around me. It is true of all of us, for we are all limited in understanding and knowledge of the future. Job’s suffering caused him to question God and what God was doing in his life. Do you find yourself in the same place as Job?

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We all have dreams and aspirations for the future, but what if God showed us that He has a different and better plan? Would we be willing to do God's will, whatever the cost, knowing that it will be worth it all in the end?

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