1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-10

The relationship of the Word to your troubles is key. In order to better appreciate what this world does to us, the Holy Spirit chose a word used for the grinding of grain under a millstone to describe our “tribulations”. They also used this word to express the pressure of feet pressing the juice out of grapes in a vat.

God knows you are squeezed and ground down

The temptation is to flail about and try to “fix” things to relieve the pressure. Joy is found in the knowledge that this world can never be fixed. Joy is realized in the knowledge that Jesus is coming back to get us some day. The brethren in Thessalonica suffered for their faith. Instead of looking about for a solution, they looked up.

It makes sense that this world does not make sense

When your worldview sets the Word aside for vast stretches of time and you compartmentalize your environment you become easy prey for Satan. As we set aside the true and living God, a multitude of things can take His rightful place. Wealth, pleasure, power are the easy idols to identify. What happens when “relief” becomes our idol?

Please just make it go away

The very tribulations we encounter strengthen us and draw us closer to God. Scripture encourages us to look for divine guidance not merely an easing of circumstance. Those in Thessalonica put way the idols that stood between them and God and so must we.

When you focus on trouble you cannot see God

The Word of God does not prevent bad things from happening in the lives of His children. As with our own children, God prepares us to work through troubles with our eyes fixed upon Him. Joy is found in the knowledge that I don’t have to fix this world. Joy is realized in the knowledge that this world is not my home. Heaven is. And, Jesus is preparing a place for me there. Some day.

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy