Raise a Hallelujah

Trouble is going to come our way. What do we do when it arrives? How do
we handle it? This past Sunday Jon talked to us about trouble out of James 1:2.
Jon linked James’ use of the word trouble to that of Jesus’ promise that the world
will be full of tribulation (John 16:33). He was keen to note that he doesn’t believe
that God causes or gives people things like sickness, but sickness – for example
– is going to come our way. So, what do we do when it does? Jon offered three
gifts that God wants to give us as well as three pathways to receiving those gifts.
1) In times of trouble, God offers peace in place of doubt and chaos.
2) God offers us good cheer (joy and hope) in the place of despair.
3) In times of tribulation, God offers faith in place of fear.
One might be thinking that’s nice, but how do we (I) really get there? The
answers aren’t necessarily universal nor are they easy, but they are simple. Jon
offered three possible pathways to experiencing this exchange.
1) Worship and/or praise in the midst of crisis.
2) Continuing to be filled and/or renewed by/with the Holy Spirit
3) Prayer