When a Bucket’s Not Enough

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Peace in a Day of Trouble
 
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! — Psalm 20:1 NASB

Unemployment, wars, terrorism, natural disasters, leaders’ poor decisions — times are hard.

But as our older relatives will tell us, hard times are nothing new. Flip through old family photo albums or history books, and see how difficult life was. Against the background of diseases, droughts, and financial depression, we see men and women of deep and abiding faith.

Turn in the Bible to the book of Psalms. There we hear the cries of God’s people in times of trouble. We also hear echoes of our own frustration, our own fears, and our pleas for help from the only One who understands, the One who can best respond.

When the troubles of this world crash in around you, flip through the pages of that photo album to gain some perspective. Then open the Psalms and find words of encouragement and peace for your weary soul. God is faithful, He understands, and He hears your prayers.

God, thank You for believers in ages past who struggled in times of trouble yet held fast to their faith. Help me to be able to hold fast to my faith. Amen.
 
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When a Bucket’s Not Enough

I leave you peace; My peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. — John 14:27 NCV

Imagine being in the middle of a lake. The boat you’re sitting in has sprung a leak. The lake is deep, the shore is distant, and your boat is filling fast. You know what it feels like to be “troubled or afraid”!

What you need is a bucket to bail the water out — or do you? A bucket will only do so much. Sooner or later the water will come in faster than you can bail it out. You realize that if you want to stay afloat, you need to fix the hole in your boat.

When life is difficult, much is out of our control, and we feel ourselves sinking, we need to recognize that we aren’t able to bail ourselves out. We won’t find peace, much less our way back to shore, on our own. We need to fix the problem at its source—and only Jesus can do that. The peace as well as the guidance and help He offers will keep us afloat.

So the next time you reach for a bucket, consider reaching out for Jesus instead.

Lord, thank You that You give me not only the strength I need for the challenge, but also guidance, help, and peace when I’m sinking. Amen.

Excerpted from 365 Devotions for Peace by Cheri Cowell.

A more peace-filled life starts today. Life is stressful, but starting each day with the Author of peace will change your entire day. String together 365 peaceful days, and you have a life-changing year!
 
Save on this book today!

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The Christian life isn’t exempt from times of difficulty, strain, and worry. But God didn’t intend for you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. He offers an amazing gift to those who fix their eyes on Him:peace.

365 Devotions for Peace will help you release your worries to God and discover the peace that only He can give. Each devotion offers an encouraging Bible verse and closes with a prayer to help you find peace in the midst of any circumstance. Spending each day with the Author of peace will bring a restful and refreshing year.

Topics covered include:
 
  • Peace for the new year
  • Peace and love
  • Peace with justice
  • Peace with God
  • Peace in the workplace
  • Peace at Home
  • Peace within
  • Peace in times of trouble
  • Peace with others
  • Peace for the future
This hardcover bound book with a beautiful foil-stamped cover, two-color printing throughout, a ribbon bookmark, and a presentation page is perfect for gift-giving.

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