Worrying is an illusion to make us believe we can solve problems. But instead of a problem solver, it manufactures hopelessness; it’s one of the devil’s tactics to weaken us while we marinate in agony and frustration. He wants us to dwell on things as they seem to be—rather than see them through the eyes of faith. The other day when I found my thoughts captive by the enemy, the Holy Spirit dropped this into my spirit:
Be still; give it to God—you won’t be disappointed.
I can’t tell you how much that blessed me; hopefully, it will help you stay strong in the Spirit. When you find yourself in adverse situations, remember that faith has another side of the matter and receive your strength from that perspective; encourage yourself in God instead of worrying.
That’s precisely what David did when he wrote Psalm 22. When he was faced with hardships, he encouraged himself, thinking about how God came through for him and others in the past. God is faithful; He’s the same today as He was since the beginning of time. It helps me when I think about the same God who brought my grandmother through is the same God who is bringing me through.
The praises of our fathers surrounded your throne; they trusted you and you delivered them. 5 You heard their cries for help and saved them; they were never disappointed when they sought your aid (Psalm 22:4-5, LAB).
The apostle Paul learned how to be content in whatever situation he found himself in, whether abounding or abasing—he knew how to give it all to God. What can the devil do with an attitude like that?
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:12-13).
Whatever your problem might be, give it to God; you won’t be disappointed.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
© 2021
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.