March 17 God’s Promises: Life’s Problems

 Theme: Holding on to hope during struggles.

Leisa Walker
 Kings SDA

Scripture: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

 None of us like, pain, uncertainty, strife or frustration. We want things to go smoothly. But the challenging and miserable times are not without their aspect of good. Things happen to us during those times that are as precious as diamonds. For it is then that we can experience the Lord’s presence in a deeper way. If we embrace the moment we will see Him in it.

Walking step by step with God requires embracing the moment for all its worth. When you are tempted to become fearful, frustrated, uncertain, or panic about what’s happening in your life, stop and see that God is in it. With Him, you have everything you need for this moment. Here and now.

Regardless of what your situation is at the moment, God has an abundance of blessings for you. Right where you are, God is working powerfully in your life. Close your eyes, call out His name, and say “Lord, show me Your hand in my life.” He wants you to sense His presence in your life. He wants you to trust that when you are afraid, you can turn to Him and find His peace. When you are weary, you will find His strength. When you are empty you will find His fullness. When you are sad, you will find His Joy. When you are in the middle of a raging storm, you will find His shelter and provision.

So often we become blinded by our circumstances, afraid or confused of what’s happening, easily discouraged, drawn toward bitterness, or quick to complain. Our first instinct should be to look for God during our circumstances.

God says we do not need to be anxious about anything, we just need to pray about everything. So instead of worrying, actively bring your cares to Him. Prayer is not empty, powerless, wishful thinking. It is a powerful connection with the One who is the source of our comfort, strength, and hope. So, take the worries about your future to the One who holds your future in His hands.

Reflection Questions:

• What worries or burdens do you need to cast on God today?

• How has God shown His faithfulness to you in past difficulties?

• What would it look like to trust Him fully in this season of your life? 

  Power Texts 

Psalm 138:3 – In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.  

Psalm 138:7 – Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me, You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.

Psalm 139:2-3 – You know my sitting down and my rising up, You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my paths and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 

Prayer:  Lord you are everything to me. Thank You that I can walk each moment with You and not have to figure out life on my own. And when I come to a dark time, I can put my hand in Yours and depend on You as we walk through it together. I know that “the upright shall dwell in Your presence” Psalm 140:13, and that’s where I want to live. For in Your presence, I will find healing, deliverance, love, peace joy, and hope. Lord, help me to embrace the moment of my life that are hard to get my arms around. Enable my eyes to see You in them. Help me to always acknowledge the abundance of Your goodness to me. I lift to You the deepest struggle in my life. I trust You to open my eyes to see all You have for me in them. Reveal to me the fullness of it all. Thank You that I can be filled with joy of Your presence in every step I take, because You have given me the light I need for whatever step I am on.