INTRODUCTION

Men may never, on this side of eternity, grasp the purpose and benefits of affliction. Instead, they spend a great deal of time and effort trying to avoid troubles of any kind not recognizing the biblical truth, "man is born unto trouble" (Job 5:7Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
See All...). According to Job 14:1Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.
See All..., "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." There is no way to avoid afflictions or troubles. They are a fact of life. The actual cause may vary. One may endure afflictions because of personal sin, while another individual may face similar difficulties merely as an attack of his adversary, the Devil. Though the initial cause varies, the end desire is the same, God wants man’s attention (Psalm 55:19God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) The Bible is clear that this world is full of troubles (John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  See All...; Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
  See All...). We are to accept this fact and not be alarmed when troubles come (1 Peter 4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
  See All...). We are to go to the One who can help (Psalm 9:9-10 [9] The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. [10] And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
  See All...; Psalm 37:39But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
  See All...; Psalm 46:1-3 [1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
  See All...; Isaiah 25:4For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
  See All...).
• Reread Psalm 55:19God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
  See All.... What does the Bible suggest is a result of a man’s life when he experiences no change? How then can troubles and afflictions be used to give man a continual fear of God?
• How do you view troubles and afflictions? Do you allow them to draw you closer to God, or do you turn away from Him?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you be content in the midst of affliction.
• Ask God to show you the beauties that accompany troubles.

HYMN

Precious Promise

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