Jesus never said life would be easy or perfect. In fact, in John 16:33 he distinctly says in this world we would have trouble, but to take heart because he has already conquered the world. Through Jesus we can have peace in the middle of our storms if we firmly fix our focus on him. This requires us to take our eyes off our problems, our financial struggles, our relationship issues, our addictions, our wayward children and put them on Jesus.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Whenever I'm going through something I imagine Jesus standing in front of me; one hand stretched out toward me. In my hand I have several small rocks or pebbles which I place in his hand. What he does with them after I hand them over, I have no clue, perhaps he crushes them into a fine dust or simply puts them in his pocket or maybe he puts them in a jar with my name on it. Whatever it might be I don't concern myself with it because I am basking in his presence and peace. Trusting him with whatever is troubling me

This process of giving him my pebbles, prompts me to stop and breathe, reposition my focus, shut out the world, give my troubles away and pray thanking God for his help. Allowing my spirit to connect with Jesus, I exhale and let His peace, love and calm wash over me. I inhale the restorative breath of Jesus deeply, thanking him for his breath in my lungs. Ahhh the peace. There's no place I'd rather be.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When we put our focus on Jesus and allow ourselves to get His perspective on any situation through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we realize this problem we face is an opportunity not a restriction. A blessing not a curse. Whenever we go through something we are learning how to handle a situation by putting our faith In Jesus. This teaches us humility and trust (in Jesus). We are adding tools to our toolbox of knowledge to pull out the next time we need help or can be a help to someone else.

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.” Isaiah‬ ‭43:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don't forget who God is in times of trouble. He is our ever-present help. Don’t forget what he can do. He can save. Don’t forget what he has done. Forgiven us and set us free. Don’t forget how mighty and powerful he is. His is Sovreign and sufficient. Remember what He did for his children to get them out of Egypt. He parted the Red Sea, leaving the Israelites dry ground to walk on to escape their captives!! This helps us remember he’s capable of making a way through whatever storm we are facing here and now in this moment. He is with us!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’s love for you is so deep, so great, so perfect. It’s time to reposition yourself. Believe Jesus is always there with you, always. Embrace the love that surrounds you like a shield. Look at His mighty hand outstretched waiting for you to trust him. Put your hand in the hand of Jesus. Let him lead you through your time of trouble. Hold on tight and never let go!