Prepared for Trouble

   “I am troubled; O Lord, come to my aid!”  Isaiah 38:14 NIV

   When I read this verse the other morning, I thought to myself, “I’m not feeling particularly troubled today.”  But by the end of that day, I was praying this verse with all my heart, and receiving all the help and reassurance I needed.

   This experience reminded me once again of how the Lord will often lead me to a verse of Scripture BEFORE I actually need it.  Think about it.  Who else can go ahead of us and minister to us before we need specific encouragement, strength, and comfort?

   I have to confess that, sometimes, when God shows me a verse that talks about facing difficulty and pain when I’m not feeling particularly troubled, it makes me shudder.  Often, I will ask, “Are you trying to prepare me for something that’s up ahead, Lord?”  And I look to Him for His reassurance.

   Sometimes, believers tend to be so afraid of making a negative confession that we “edit” our prayers, and we don’t share our true feelings and struggles with the Lord.  It goes against our nature to confess something like, “I am troubled; O Lord, come to my aid!”  But sometimes, that’s exactly what the Lord wants us to do.

   God wants to prepare you ahead of time for any trouble you might encounter in this life.  If you will seek Him daily and live your life for Him, He will make sure that you always have all of the strength, encouragement, and wisdom you will ever need to live the abundant life He has called you to!

   Lord, when I am facing adversity of any kind, help me to turn to You first.  Remind me to resist “editing” my prayers, and to freely pour out my heart to You.  Fill me with a growing passion for Your presence and Your Word, so that I will seek You each day in undistracted and unhurried prayer and Scripture reading.  Thank You that as I walk closely with You each day, I will have all of the divine strength, wisdom, and assistance I need to succeed!

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