The Star of the Show

I need to be reminded of who takes care of me and who is in charge of all the events in my life.  When I'm congratulating myself on my confidence and skill, it's easy to forget who my safety net is.  Fortunately, God doesn't let me be the star of the show from start to finish.  Sometimes he turns things completely upside down so that what is happening does not make sense to me at all!  I'm forced to cling to him and rest in his peace that passes understanding.

You may find yourself in the middle of circumstances that don't make sense to you.  You may be surrounded by people who would never be your choice.  Possibly God is reminding you that "the battle is the Lord's" and the way he wins battles is often through people and events we'd never even think of, much less choose.  Oddly enough, that knowledge takes the pressure off of me.  I can quit striving, plotting, maneuvering.  I am not the star of the show; God is.  That brings me outrageous peace. 

written by Marilyn Meberg

Pain Has A Purpose

When we realize our days here matter, our pain has significance, and our choices are meaningful, we can step through the darkest of times with hope in your hearts.  It's not that we won't waver, but even our inquiries have the potential, when we are seeking, to lead us to a stronger faith. 

I find that my joy is enlarged by understanding that, as a child of God, even my pain has purpose.  That realization doesn't eliminate my pain, but it makes it more manageable, allowing me other emotions in the midst of calamity, even joy.

The Power of Faith

Everybody experiences difficult situations in life.  Things that make us want to scream out or give up.  Deprivations.  Sacrifices.  Losses.  Misunderstandings.  But isn't there some way for the Christian to respond without getting mad at God?  Otherwise, what's the good of our faith?  There has to be some key to being joyful in the midst of discouraging circumstances and crabby people.  What is it?

It's taking god at his Word.  It's believing he will do what he says, no matter how things look or how we feel.  Nobody said it would be easy.  If you find any Scripture that even hints that life will be easy, call me collect.  Please.  But I can tell you now ... it ain't in there!  However, trusting God with everything we have, everything we are, every problem that is ours, every loss we endure, every battle we face, every person who disappoints us --with thanksgiving-- gives us the grace to come through it with flying colors.

written by Luci Swindoll

Promises About Turning the Tables on Trouble

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33


I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.  2 Corinthians 7:4


I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39


The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.  Psalm 9:9

Angry, Bored, or Dull

Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored, or dull.  That was never God's intention.  Maybe boredom and dullness aren't on any list of sins in the Bible, but they will sap your joy if you tolerate them.

Promises About Struggles

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.  Proverbs 10:25

Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5

God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  James 1:2-3

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   Romans 5:3-5

God's Grace in the Midst of Tough Times

How do we enjoy God's grace in the midst of tough times?  First we have to make a habit of drinking deeply of the grace God promises, every moment.  We have to uncover our soul and let grace soak us to our roots.

Second, we have to keep our sense of humor.  I find it helpful to have a few things up my sleeve for those tougher-than-usual days when the melons are landing on my head.  I have several funny videos that just knock me over.  Photographs of my friends and family always cheer me up.  So does getting out into the fresh air and walking.  Sometimes I read one of my favorite Psalms.

God is all around us, longing to talk to us, to love us, to lift us up.  Make up your own survival kit.  Find things that you know can lift you above the hubbub in your house and in your head.

written by Sheila Walsh

Surviving Struggles

Let your joy out. One way I do that is to give people something to laugh about.  How?  I collect jokes and write down everything I hear that makes me brighten up.  I make amusement a ministry because chuckles are better than a therapist.  They are aloe vera for he sunburns of life.  When the dumps take their toll, laughter provides the exact change to get you through. 

Whatever your troubles, try looking at them by the light of another source or a different star.  Go ahead; don't be afraid.  Find a wacky angle, a new twist.  Offer trouble a little serious thought, then turn it upside down and look at it through God-colored glasses.  Chew on trouble's possibilities for make you smarter, better, stronger, kinder.

Sample some weird and wonderful Jelly Bellies, Gobstoppers, or Sweet Tarts while you do that.  Then take the curved weapon I call joy and toss trouble by its funny side out into the world.

written by Barbara Johnson

An Attitude of Praise

Praising God in song lifts our spirits, clears our heads, and opens a place for the Holy Spirit to speak to us.  God extends care to us by meeting our every need and comforting us when we go through trials.  Don't you think we have something to sing about?  Want to lift your spirits from the hustle and bustle of the day?  Sing to the Lord.  When praises go up, blessings come down.  Now isn't that something to sing about?

Promises About Our Response to Trouble

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28


For Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10


Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  
Romans 8:18


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

A Right Response

I cannot prevent the perplexities of life, but I can choose how I respond to them.  When I need a pity party, I literally set my clock for fifteen minutes.  Within that time frame, I whine and wail, beat myself up, throw a temper tantrum, break something or whatever I feel is appropriate to my circumstances at he moment.  When the alarm sounds, I know that's my cue to cut it out.

Admittedly, sometimes I've had to set the clock four times before I got it all out of my system!  But I think that one hour is long enough to stay in a state of insanity.  After I've used up my four times to reset the clock, I force myself to STOP.  I force myself to start praise music.  I just say, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."  The enemy of our soul flees at the name of Jesus.

While in this process, I calm down.  I start thinking more clearly.  I'm not as inclined to make irrational decisions.  If this works for me, it will certainly work for you. 

written by Thelma Wells