Many of us, at times, seem to go through some extremely tough times in many different areas of our lives.  This is often, if not always, a time of great sorrow and depression, and yet we always ask the same question, “Why does this happen to me?”  Problems within the family occur and bring with it anger and bad attitudes, which lead to alienation.  Why?  The scripture is clear concerning this issue.  Proverbs 13:10 says, “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”  These problems are a result of our priorities being out of order.  This is not saying that in your home there will never be disagreements, but there will be no “pride factor” that brings contention.

    Parents who have children who bring them heartaches and sleepless nights and create an atmosphere of uneasiness are experiencing some hard times at home.  This can be remedied by depending on God’s Word.  Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture (discipline) and admonition (instruction) of the Lord.”  I am afraid that many parents listen more to the “whims” of their children and strategies of the world, rather than to the blessed Word of God.  Folks, the Bible is still the best instruction manual for child-rearing.

    Money problems do not just “jump” on us, but are usually accumulated over a period of time.  Poor planning and wrong priorities are usually the source of why things go wrong in this area.  Though this is not always the case, most often it is.  Paul, the Apostle, spoke to the Philippians about contentment in Philippians 4:11-12.  He was not willing to over-extend himself just to have something he did not need or to impress someone in his society. This, folks, is a formula for success.

    When things go wrong with us, Christian, we must remember the faithful words of our God as He spoke to Joshua, “...neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).  Are you going through tough times, Christian?  God will not forsake you—-not ever!  When things go wrong it is not the time to forsake and leave Him.                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                             Pastor H. Preston Parker