These articles are written to encourage Christians, and to be used by churches for their weekly bulletin.
All I ask is that credit is given with my name and the web address, bible101.substack.com
When the hard times come, most Christians ramp up their time spent in prayer—and understandably so. A scary diagnosis, a job loss, and other major upheavals send us seeking God’s aid, as He is a present help in our troubles (Psalm 46:1).
However, it can be easy to forget that He’s there for us in the little challenges, too.
A car accident might send us before God’s throne seeking help in a way that the stress of a busy week, or the anxiety from a difficult boss, or the pain of occasional marital strains might not. But God still sees our pain in those struggles. He still cares, even when we feel our concerns might be a bit trivial for Him.
In the context of discussing our various trials, James told us to ask God for wisdom, with the faith that He will give it to us (James 1:5-8). Notice what James didn’t do: he didn’t put a size limit on the trials we’re allowed to ask about. Elsewhere, when the Bible speaks of God’s comfort, there is no footnote that says He’ll comfort us in the death of a loved one, but not when we feel overwhelmed with our daily duties.
It is only our arbitrary standards that decide what constitutes a big trial and a little trial. God has not put such limitations on Himself, so we should not feel embarrassed to take our burdens before Him—even if they are lighter than other burdens.
As you go about your week, notice the little things that put you on edge or nag at you. Don’t hesitate to lay them at the Father’s feet and ask for wisdom and peace so you can have a clear head and glorify Him by your attitude and response.
What a blessing it is to have a Father who cares about us and our stresses, no matter the size.