This week has been a volatile week for the stock market, the week started with the Dow Jones losing over 2% over fears of a looming recession. Many Americans watch the stock market because many retirements are connected to it.
Most 401(k)s are diversified and invested in stocks and a dip in the stock market means a hit to retirement funds. Unfortunately, many people neglect to learn the hard truths about things of this world.
- They cannot save us
- Don’t satisfy
- They’re temporary
Sadly, so many people trust in themselves and the things of this world to save them. The great Charles Spurgeon noted, “To all of the brokenhearted, God has sent a savior to heal you.”
We live in a fallen world that cannot satisfy us. Only a divine God can save us from this corrupt world. Things are temporary and fickle as the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11.) That is why it is wiser to turn to God in our times of trouble.
What is Trouble?
Trouble is something no one likes to experience, but it is part of living in a fallen world. The dictionary defines trouble as, “A state or condition of distress, annoyance, or difficulty; pain or inconvenience.”
Trouble and hard times are natural consequences of living on a cursed planet. These are consequences of choosing our way over God’s in the garden. The Bible encourages God’s people about God’s presence and protection when we experience hard times.
We are never told that God’s people won’t experience trouble in this life, only that God will be with us in our times of need ( Romans 5:3- 5, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 4:17.) The Apostle Paul remembered and taught the Jewish teachings about facing trouble in this life.
Ṣārâ
Ancient Israel faced many trials and constant trouble from the world around them. Other nations opposed the people of God. The defenseless nation was afflicted by its weakness.
The Hebrew word commonly used in the Old Testament for trouble is ṣārâ and it could also mean, “Distress, affliction, adversity, or tribulation,” depending on the context it was used in.
Israel didn’t just face adversity from other nations, Israel experienced hardships from nature. Israel is a desert region in the Middle East. Rain was scarce, except during the rainy seasons. With only about 60 days of rain each year, Israel was dependent on God to send the rain in each season.
However, it was common for Israel to endure many droughts, and famin spread across the region. Ancient Israel learned to trust in the God of nature to control the weather and quench the thirst of God’s people (Leviticus 26:4, 1 Kings 17:1.)
It is a biblical fact that God’s people will experience many hardships in this life, but God promises to be with His people in times of trouble (Deuteronomy 20:1-3, 1 Samuel 2:10, Psalm 34:19; 50:15, Isaiah 40:31.) Israel was forced to rely on God in their times of trouble.
- Political violence
- Religious struggles
- Exiles
- Famine
- Droughts
Jesus encouraged and warned His followers that in this life they would experience trials (John 14:1- 27.) Jesus comforts us in our hardships and trials of this life; He doesn’t spare us from hardship because He knows that trials and trouble will grow our faith and draw us closer to God.
God’s people aren’t promised a life free of trouble, but help and hope in the midst of trouble. At one point the disciples were in a boat with Jesus when a serious storm approached while Jesus was asleep (Matthew 8:23-27.) Once again God proves He has power over the winds and storms we face in this life.
Hurricane Debby
As I write this the southeast is dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Debby. Where I live we have mainly gotten a lot of rain and a little wind. I have never really been afraid of the weather.
I can remember watching my father play soccer with other soldiers during thunderstorms when we lived in Italy. As much as I try to avoid it, sometimes I get caught in the rain or a thunderstorm when I’m biking.
Since I know God controls the weather and He is with me in the storm, I experience His presence.
- Peace
- Safety
- Hope
There are biblical truths God’s people must remember since we live in a fallen world. This world is temporary. It is corrupt beyond our understanding. Never put your hope in what will not last. Misplaced hope will do more harm than good in our times of ṣārâ!
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