Focusing on God's Power

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

In time of sorrow, worries or trouble, some of us are encouraged and familiar with a teaching exhorting to keep our eyes on God and His power and His glory as opposed to focusing on what is troubling us to the point where it invades our thoughts, to the point where it is all we see. It's one thing to know what to do. It's another matter to know how to do it.

Some practical steps?
- Remembering how powerful and glorious God is; "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
- Remembering that He loves us, and as such will always be by our side; "And (note: providing you honor His word; read the preceding verses) surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
-  He won't necessary take the mountain away, but will hold your hand to walk you through it. "Even though I walk through the valley of shadow and of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4  And, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
- In the end, you are always victorious. Define victory? You will get through this; "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Proverb 24:16. You'll realize the blessing in disguise; "However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you." Deuteronomy 23:5  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him," Romans 8:28 
- God will glorify His name in the midst of your circumstances. When his disciples, speaking about a man born blind, asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God be displayed in his life." John 9: 2-3

Just as one needs to hold to a life-belt in order to use it, the best way to experience God's promises is by holding on to His words. If He says He's there, then He really is. :)

Word of God Speak

Taken totally out of context and quoting my pastor this morning, "God, where are You when we need You?"

Who dares argue with someone who always has the last word? Those who believe in God also believe that He is ever loving in His intentions toward us and, *sigh*, always right. In the end.

You promised that You are with me every day (Matt 28:20). I'm taking You up on Your word. You say that You will show me which way to go (Psalm 32:8). I know You'll live up to that too. Thank You for simply being there.