7 Biblical Principles to Prevent You from Spinning Around the Axle of Your Circumstances
I can’t imagine all the issues you are facing. Even in an average year, we often face financial, health and relationship challenges. Added to that, we are currently facing the threat and fallout of a pandemic, epic political division, racial tension, injustice, violence and looting and high unemployment in several sectors. We must face the reality that all or even a few of these circumstances have the potential to paralyze us individually and collectively. If we aren’t careful, our circumstances will determine our attitude and actions. Even worse, if left unchecked, our inability to address our circumstances biblically may severely cripple our relationship with God and others. Don’t be naïve. The Christian and the church aren’t immune to the impact of our circumstances. With that said, what can we do to prevent us from spinning around the axle of our circumstances? We have a choice to thrive in the opportunity or drown in our troubles. The following are 7 biblical principles that will help you navigate life regardless of your circumstances:
- Trust our immutable God for stability
Even though the world is rapidly changing and often threatening, God is immutable. He is our rock and stabilizes us in every circumstance when we trust Him.
PS 62:1 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.2 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. - Discern the will of God and obey Him
We are transformed, made new, by renewing our mind with the knowledge and obedience of God’s word. When we are equipped with God’s word, we can discern God’s will and continue through our difficult circumstances with confidence and success.
RO 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Pray and give thanks in every circumstance
Regardless of what you may be facing, you can pray and give thanks. You can ask God for help at the very least. You can also give thanks in every circumstance because there is always something and someone you can be thankful for. Beyond that, God promises us peace when we do so.
EPH 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 THES 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
PhP 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Learn to be content in whatever situation you face
We often feel defeated when our needs are unmet. It is safe to say we are often frustrated when things to go the way we expect. But, even in the most difficult of times God gives us strength and we can be content as we trust Him.
PHP 4: 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.I can do all things through him who strengthens me.13 In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. - Rest in the Holy Spirit for the help you need
The Holy Spirit is our Helper. Is there a better more powerful Helper? We can have peace because we are never alone in our trouble and God is working things together for good. Yes, even the bad things.
JN 14:25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
RO 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Consider trials and suffering a blessing from God
We typically don’t ask God for trials or to suffer. However, we can trust that God is at work even when we face trials. He never wastes the opportunity to help us grow and become mature in our faith. As such, we can rejoice in our trials.
JAS 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
RO 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
- Focus on things that have eternal value
The problem with our reaction to difficult circumstances is that we focus on earthly things instead of heavenly things. We must remember to stay focused on God’s kingdom work and things that have eternal value.
COL 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth
Are you thriving in the opportunity or drowning in your troubles? There are plenty of difficult circumstances in our world. Although, I certainly don’t know all of the circumstances you are facing. Regardless, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, I know you’re not alone. In fact, you have the power of God in you to face every circumstance. You don’t have to become a slave to your circumstances. In other words, you don’t have to feel like your spinning around the axle of your circumstances. Instead, God’s word has the wisdom we need to navigate life.
A Work in Progress,
Pastor Gene
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