What types of troubles have you been experiencing lately? We know that believers are not immune to the troubles of this world. In addition to the inevitable persecution because of our association with Jesus Christ, there are the normal types of trials and hardships and pain points that afflict all of us in this world. Our hope is in the Lord who has promised to be with us and never to leave us. So He is our refuge in time of trouble.
But if we are not abiding in close fellowship with God, troubles will drive a wedge between us and our confidence in Him. We need to call on God to sustain us and even deliver us from trouble. But the key is how close are we to God?
WHEN TROUBLE DRAWS NEAR, MAKE SURE GOD IS CLOSER
“Be not far from me for trouble is near” [also vs. 19 “be not far off”]
I. TROUBLE WILL DRAW NEAR
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Don’t be Surprised – Various forms of Trouble – Be Alert
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Appreciate the Process of Character Development – develops perseverance
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Count it All Joy – James 1 – Have the right mindset
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Make Your Boast in God – Give Him the glory; have a testimony to others
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Live in Light of Eternity – these present troubles will soon pass away
II. HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD
1. Seek the Lord – 55:6-7
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
2. Embrace Forgiveness and Cleansing Flowing from Faith in the Gospel – 10:22
“let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
3. Abide in Christ – John 15 – Keep Christ at the center of your life; Fix your eyes on Him
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
4. Humble yourself – James 4:6-8 – Satan will flee
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
5 Commit to Holiness / Fellowship / Communion – Psalms 15
“O Lord, Who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?”
III. HOW GOD INSULATES US FROM TROUBLE
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God as Our Shield
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God as Our Rock
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God as Our Refuge
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God as Our High Tower
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God as Our Fortress