One of my favorite games growing up has become my daughter’s favorite game as well. It is called Trouble. Family game night is still alive and well at our house most evenings.
Trouble is a board game in which players compete to be the first to send four pieces all the way around a board. Several things keep the game interesting. It is tough to get started (to get your game piece in the game) because you have to roll a 6 on the die to get out. And once you’re in the game, you can quickly be sent back home when another player lands on your spot. You find yourself in a bit of trouble when this happens and then have to start all over again.
David was quite familiar with a life of trouble and wrote about much of it in the book of Psalms. Some of his trouble, like ours, was brought on by himself. And although he was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), it did not mean he was exempt from weakness and bad decisions that led to guilt, fear, and anxiety. He shared these emotions with us in his writing.
David’s life had its share of ups and downs. Rising up with the courage of the Lord to defeat Goliath but later was sent fleeing for his life from King Saul. He was eventually proclaimed King of Israel and then became infatuated with Bathsheba only to commit adultery with her. Then she became pregnant and there was a huge cover-up which ended with having Bathsheba’s husband killed on the battlefield. With some severe nudging from the prophet Nathan, David finally repented of these sins but still suffered the consequences. One of which, was his first son with Bathsheba dying.
See what I mean about trouble? David can definitely relate. If you ever think the Bible might be a boring read, spend a little time studying the life of David. It is quite a page turner. But there is so much we can learn about coping with trouble.
At times, we can all find ourselves trying to maneuver through the valleys of life. Whether we had any part in causing our circumstances or not, moving through those phases of life can just be painful. Perhaps it is struggling with an illness, dealing with a difficult job, or trying to raise teenagers (or any kids for that matter). Maybe your heart is heavy over the loss of a loved one or broken relationships.
Sometimes you can be going through life and without warning it seems that the whole game has changed. This world can feel so cruel at times. And once we get down in the valley, sometimes it is easy to feel stuck in that position where you just can’t seem to get past it. David understood all of this. He was dealing with the same thing when he wrote this scripture.
In time of trouble, David sought the Lord. And that is exactly what we should do. You can even check the game of life instruction booklet – the Bible to verify.
We can take refuge in the loving arms of Jesus, we can share with him our fears and frustrations, we can seek him for forgiveness. And we have the promise that He will strengthen us. And even when we can’t cope, can’t understand, He will give us peace. His peace that passes understanding. And when we confess the wrongs in our life, He is faithful to show grace and forgiveness.
And while our prayers are usually centered around getting out of trouble or never having it affect our lives at all, the Lord usually has so much to teach us down in those valleys that we can’t learn on the hilltop.
So, not if but when you find yourself in a bit of trouble, I pray that you seek Jesus. He loves you. He cares for you. And He longs to be there for you through the ups, downs, and chaos of life.
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