When Trouble Comes

My family is very healthy. I can’t remember the last time I have been in the hospital to see a family member. Yes, we are very blessed. But now, two members of my family are scheduled for surgical procedures within five days! One procedure was expected, another was unexpected. Our lives can
change very quickly and suddenly.

This is only one example. I’m sure you could tell many stories of the troubles you have faced in your life or your family’s life. There are friends and families in our own community that are facing troubles right now with health, death, addiction, and so many other problems that we face every day.

Where do we turn when trouble comes? There are many answers to that question. Friends, family, our community, and, I hope, especially to God. Psalm 18:1-2 (New Revised Standard version) reads “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” This is only one of many verses that remind us that our strength should be in the Lord.

When trouble comes, and it will, turn to friends, family and our community for help. But don’t forget to ask for help from the Lord, our “rock, fortress and deliverer” and our “refuge, shield, and stronghold.”

Looking to God when trouble comes,
Kevin Smith
Pastor, Sanders Chapel United Methodist Church
Pastor, Couley United Methodist Church
Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Winnfield