Avoid the Tar Pits of Trouble

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” is an aphorism which appears in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 6:34)

“The Message Bible” fleshes out the meaning in modern English: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Simply distilled the expression means – “Don’t pull tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine.”

Worry does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It simply takes away today’s peace.

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. Therefore, “Trust in him at all times; people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8) Pray for guidance in resolving simple and complex issues. However, if you only pray when you have trouble, you are in trouble.

When toxic things happen you have choices. You can either let them define you, or you can let God use them to refine you.

Let it refine you like an oyster does when irritated. When irritated an oyster makes a pearl out of the intruder by surrounding it with a mantle, making it a beautiful iridescent pearl. 

Troubles are often the tools used by God to fashion us for better things. 

Remember nothing is permanent in this complex world, not even trouble. Be like the person who when asked what was his favorite Bible verse said, “I like the one that says, ‘It came to pass,’ I know it hasn’t come to stay.”

Accept as true and applicable the words of the Psalmist who said, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18)

Claim that as you deal with your troubles. Don’t try to wish away your trouble, deal with it. Clearly analyze it and relate to each aspect.

Satan has tar pits along the way wanting us to think that our problems are unsolvable. When successful he keeps us trapped in a sense of anger, anxiety, worry, stress and a victim mentality. 

God wants to help us resolve our problems. Therefore, you can confidently say:  “…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)