How to Overcome Life’s Stresses

2006005

Topic 695 (Habakkuk)

Introduction:

A. We never appreciate true security more than when we are facing perilous times.

1. life, hope, future threatened, great relief to know safe shelter available.

2. Psa. 46:1-3 – those who have firm confidence in God have a great security.

B. Satan can be adept at shaking our peace and security.

1. He can easily ensnare someone who lacks confident faith in God.

2. When events occur that seemingly cannot be explained, we are tempted to wonder if God cares.

3. What do we do when such times arise? How can we remain secure in our faith when the day to day stress occurs in our lives?

C. We need an anchor that will bring safety; a shelter that offers security.

D. In our lesson today we’ll explore 3 specific ways we can handle life’s problems and not be destroyed.

I. Demonstrate An Unfailing Commitment

A. 2:1 - Although he did not understand God’s plan, Habakkuk waited for the day for it to be completed.

1. Life did not seem fair or right, but the prophet did not give up on God.

2. Although shaken and confused; Habakkuk trusted in God to execute His plan.

3. Habakkuk went to God for help in his time of need.

a. It is only through Him that we can face the day.

B. The only way we can overcome our trials is to be committed to God.

1. Part of our problem today is that we aren’t very good at waiting.

a. Want God to answer us or work for us…NOW!

b. How well are you waiting?

2. To overcome life’s stresses we must make God a part of the solution.

a. Recognize that when we take a problem to Him, we must leave it there!

1) Easier said than done

2) Must trust God to help us through the storms.

b. only as we remain committed to God can we gain victory over our problems.

c. Wholehearted consecration to God brings wholehearted confidence in God’s power.

3. In life we sometimes think God can’t help us.

a. Manifested in constant negative attitude

b. Understand God is able…

1) 2 Tim. 1:12 - To guard

2) Eph. 3:20 - To bless and help; to do far more than we think possible

3) Acts 16:25; 2 Cor. 12:10 - To deliver

4. Psalm 73:25-28 - Let us remember God is able to respond to life’s trials.

II. Respond Enthusiastically to God’s Word

A. 2:2 - Habakkuk was told to write down God’s response.

1. the one who reads it may run… interesting phrase. In Hebrew this phrase literally means: that everyone who reads it may read fluently and easily.

2. It would encourage those struggling with the frustrations of life.

a. Perhaps others felt as Habakkuk.

b. Perhaps others were wondering why evil existed.

B. Psa. 119:97-104 - God’s word continues to give answers for those who seek divine counsel.

1. Psa. 119:165 - Those who read God’s word; lean on its teachings will find great peace. God’s word is plain. Anyone can learn God’s answer.

2. This is why we must take advantage of EVERY opportunity to study.

3. But, too often, instead of consulting God on life’s problems, we look for human wisdom and understanding.

a. Why? Are we smarter then God?

4. 2 Pet. 3:8 - Patience is needed when consulting God and His counsel.

a. He may not answer us on our timetable.

1) How long did Israel pray for deliverance from Egypt?

2) Undue haste as well as the lack of patience has forestalled the solution of many a problem and brought to ruin many a well-laid plan.

3) Patient waiting does not murmur, but trusts in God.

b. Our attitude will change (concerning the injustices of life) when we allow God to operate on His schedule.

5. James 1:22 - Must not only hear God’s guidance, we must also put it to use.

III. Be Diligent to Work

A. Habakkuk resolved to not let his current situation keep him from serving God.

1. He waited to see what would happen.

2. 2:1 - Habakkuk said he…

a. Would stand – indicating alertness

b. Would keep watch – indicating preparedness

B. When we are burdened with life’s troubles, we need to maintain diligence in our duties to God.

1. 1 Cor. 15:58 -Even when tempted to give up, we must remain active.

a. During troublesome times we are tempted to give up.

2. When we allow problems to keep us from working in God’s church:

a. our problems increase

b. our fellowship lessens

c. our trust weakens

3. Times when we all feel like staying away from worship & assembling with the saints:

a. we can be tempted to withdraw and focus only on our problems.

b. As soon as we do this, our problems only compound.

4. By continuing to work for the Lord we will reduce the stress in our life.

a. Physically, Drs always warn people to exercise, especially in cases where stress is high.

1) High contributor to health problems.

2) Stress comes to life – need to exercise spiritually as well!

b. One way to reduce the stress is to not stray from the assemblies.

1) Recognize them as opportunities to recharge and gain encouragement.

C. Heb. 10:35-39 – we must be active in the service of God!

1. Failure to be active assures further discouragement.

2. Don’t give in to the temptation to quit!

3. We can regain the proper perspective by being active in our service to God!

Conclusion

A. Stress is factor in most people’s lives and has to be dealt with according to God’s will.

B. God is able to answer any problem in life.

C. This is the confident trust that we are talking about. It is what will allow us to be anxious for nothing.

1. Why were the first century Christians so successful? Because of a deep abiding, unshakeable trust in God!

2. Do you have this kind of trust? You too can have great success in serving God. And while your physical life may not be measured by worldly success, you can have the greatest success of all – an eternal home in heaven!

D. Do you trust your God to help you in times of need?



How to Overcome Life’s Stresses 2006005 Topic 695 (Habakkuk) Introduction: A. We never appreciate true security more than when we are facing perilous times. 1. life, hope, future threatened, great relief to know safe shelter available. 2. Psa. 46:1-3 – those who have firm confidence in God have a great security. B. Satan can be adept at shaking our peace and security. 1. He can easily ensnare someone who lacks confident faith in God. 2. When events occur that seemingly cannot be explained, we are tempted to wonder if God cares. 3. What do we do when such times arise? How can we remain secure in our faith when the day to day stress occurs in our lives? C. We need an anchor that will bring safety; a shelter that offers security. D. In our lesson today we’ll explore 3 specific ways we can handle life’s problems and not be destroyed. I. Demonstrate An Unfailing Commitment A. 2:1 - Although he did not understand God’s plan, Habakkuk waited for the day for it to be completed. 1. Life did not seem fair or right, but the prophet did not give up on God. 2. Although shaken and confused; Habakkuk trusted in God to execute His plan. 3. Habakkuk went to God for help in his time of need. a. It is only through Him that we can face the day. B. The only way we can overcome our trials is to be committed to God. 1. Part of our problem today is that we aren’t very good at waiting. a. Want God to answer us or work for us…NOW! b. How well are you waiting? 2. To overcome life’s stresses we must make God a part of the solution. a. Recognize that when we take a problem to Him, we must leave it there! 1) Easier said than done 2) Must trust God to help us through the storms. b. only as we remain committed to God can we gain victory over our problems. c. Wholehearted consecration to God brings wholehearted confidence in God’s power. 3. In life we sometimes think God can’t help us. a. Manifested in constant negative attitude b. Understand God is able… 1) 2 Tim. 1:12 - To guard 2) Eph. 3:20 - To bless and help; to do far more than we think possible 3) Acts 16:25; 2 Cor. 12:10 - To deliver 4. Psalm 73:25-28 - Let us remember God is able to respond to life’s trials. II. Respond Enthusiastically to God’s Word A. 2:2 - Habakkuk was told to write down God’s response. 1. the one who reads it may run… interesting phrase. In Hebrew this phrase literally means: that everyone who reads it may read fluently and easily. 2. It would encourage those struggling with the frustrations of life. a. Perhaps others felt as Habakkuk. b. Perhaps others were wondering why evil existed. B. Psa. 119:97-104 - God’s word continues to give answers for those who seek divine counsel. 1. Psa. 119:165 - Those who read God’s word; lean on its teachings will find great peace. God’s word is plain. Anyone can learn God’s answer. 2. This is why we must take advantage of EVERY opportunity to study. 3. But, too often, instead of consulting God on life’s problems, we look for human wisdom and understanding. a. Why? Are we smarter then God? 4. 2 Pet. 3:8 - Patience is needed when consulting God and His counsel. a. He may not answer us on our timetable. 1) How long did Israel pray for deliverance from Egypt? 2) Undue haste as well as the lack of patience has forestalled the solution of many a problem and brought to ruin many a well-laid plan. 3) Patient waiting does not murmur, but trusts in God. b. Our attitude will change (concerning the injustices of life) when we allow God to operate on His schedule. 5. James 1:22 - Must not only hear God’s guidance, we must also put it to use. III. Be Diligent to Work A. Habakkuk resolved to not let his current situation keep him from serving God. 1. He waited to see what would happen. 2. 2:1 - Habakkuk said he… a. Would stand – indicating alertness b. Would keep watch – indicating preparedness B. When we are burdened with life’s troubles, we need to maintain diligence in our duties to God. 1. 1 Cor. 15:58 -Even when tempted to give up, we must remain active. a. During troublesome times we are tempted to give up. 2. When we allow problems to keep us from working in God’s church: a. our problems increase b. our fellowship lessens c. our trust weakens 3. Times when we all feel like staying away from worship & assembling with the saints: a. we can be tempted to withdraw and focus only on our problems. b. As soon as we do this, our problems only compound. 4. By continuing to work for the Lord we will reduce the stress in our life. a. Physically, Drs always warn people to exercise, especially in cases where stress is high. 1) High contributor to health problems. 2) Stress comes to life – need to exercise spiritually as well! b. One way to reduce the stress is to not stray from the assemblies. 1) Recognize them as opportunities to recharge and gain encouragement. C. Heb. 10:35-39 – we must be active in the service of God! 1. Failure to be active assures further discouragement. 2. Don’t give in to the temptation to quit! 3. We can regain the proper perspective by being active in our service to God! Conclusion A. Stress is factor in most people’s lives and has to be dealt with according to God’s will. B. God is able to answer any problem in life. C. This is the confident trust that we are talking about. It is what will allow us to be anxious for nothing. 1. Why were the first century Christians so successful? Because of a deep abiding, unshakeable trust in God! 2. Do you have this kind of trust? You too can have great success in serving God. And while your physical life may not be measured by worldly success, you can have the greatest success of all – an eternal home in heaven! D. Do you trust your God to help you in times of need?