In our lives, at specific times and not by any means all the time, we come across this great issue called 'trouble'. We see trouble as something that results in our displeasure, and we often stress over the many things that cause us trouble, such as financial issues, problems at work and a vast array of many other concerns.
We all too often treat these with contempt; something that is part of our usual life, but something that ideally shouldn't exist.
Instead, we should learn to accept that we will find trouble in our life. Jesus said: "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16 verse 33) Why is it then, that we treat trouble as if it shouldn't exist?
Trouble has different facets
In fact, as Christians, we are able to treat difficulties in our lives as a blessing: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." (Romans 8 verse 28)
These difficulties appear in our life to mould us into the likeness of God's son. As we are put through these trials, we learn and change: "...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..." (Romans 5 verse 4-5)
As Christians, our hope lies in the Lord Jesus; that we will someday join with him in paradise. It is in this that we should receive our strength: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (Isaiah 40 verse 31). As we focus on our true purpose in life: to serve God, the reasons for stressing about these issues become more and more redundant.
Hence, we shouldn't worry about how we are going to get by, as is written "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear...your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matthew 6 verses 25, 32). We need to develop our trust in Jesus; that he will never put us through more than we can bear.
The conclusion of the matter is that Jesus has faced these stresses before... and conquered them all: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16 verse 33) By trusting in Jesus, we are following the one that has already triumphed over all of the trouble that we are currently facing, and we know he will not let us down.
So next time anyone of us faces trouble in our lives, seek help from the Lord first and he will give you the strength to overcome all of your stresses.
Tim Robertson is from Sydney and is currently studying civil engineering at UNSW
Tim Robertson's previous articles may be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-robertson.html