"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah" (Psalm 62:8, NKJV).

Life is unpredictable. Today may be sunny and bright, but tomorrow storm clouds of trouble may roll in and overwhelm us.

It sometimes seems that one problem is scarcely resolved before we are blindsided with another. Financial setbacks, illness, grief, disappointments - all can cause us to despair and cry out, "God, do you see what's happening to me?"

Trouble is universal. Saint or sinner, no one is exempt. Job 14:1 tells us, "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble" (NKJV). It is how we choose to respond to the trials and disappointments of life that makes the difference. It is our choice.

the story of Naomi

We often think of the Book of Ruth as a "happily ever after" love story. While it does contain a beautiful story of love and redemption, it also tells of hardship, disappointment, and grief. Naomi experienced famine, leaving her homeland, sons who married pagan wives, and the death of her husband and both sons. The one bright spot in this bleak picture was the evident love and devotion of her daughter-in-law Ruth, who chose to accompany her back to Israel.

When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, the townspeople inquired, "Is this Naomi?" Naomi responded, "Call me not Naomi (pleasant or delightful), call me Mara (bitter or sad): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty" (Ruth 1:21-22).

Naomi's answer to the townspeople isn't difficult to understand. Life had dealt her several harsh blows. Although she describes herself as empty, we see glimmers of hope and trust in her story. Ruth witnessed something in Naomi's life that caused her to claim Naomi's God as her own God.

Chapter 4 ends with Naomi cradling the child of Ruth and Boaz in her arms, a child in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God was there all the time, orchestrating events that would bless generations to come.

trust through trouble

While experiencing disappointment and pain, we may struggle to recognize that God is with us. But even when we cannot see His hand, we must still trust Him. And rejoice! The antidote to disappointment and bitterness is thankfulness and praise. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (NKJV).

When Trouble Comes Remember

We cannot run from trouble, but we can run to God.

We do not see the whole picture, but God does.

God keeps all His promises.

When there's nothing left but God, that's enough.

God's presence and faithfulness never cease. When troubles come, we can trust Him. He is by our side.

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15, NKJV)

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk