Hope for Getting Through the Tough Times

Six months ago, none of us has could have imagined what American families would be going through right now because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands continue to get sick and die. Millions are out of work, and our nation is still only in the very beginning stages of re-opening. There’s plenty to fear.

Or is there?

What do passages like Philippians 4:6-7 mean? It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It means that anxiety and fear are intended to be a wakeup call, not a way of life. Your anxiety may be telling you, “I’ve got to wake up and get my finances in order. To pay attention to my health. To address problems in my marriage.”

What God wants you to guard your heart against is allowing yourself to be sucked into a pit of despair where you feel trapped and paralyzed.

The Apostle Paul is telling us that we can call out to God in our time of need and say, “Help,” and trust Him in the midst of our uncertainty. Pastor and author Max Lucado says the ability to do that begins and ends in trusting the character of God.

Scripture tells us that God loves the world enough that He came to be its Savior. He is always with us and always in control, overseeing the affairs of mankind. So, whenever you feel anxious, lift up your eyes to heaven and set your mind on God.

The Apostle Peter walked on the water as long as he kept his eyes on Christ. It’s when he diverted his attention to the wind and the waves that he sank.

Nationally-known speaker and bestselling-author Max Lucado is our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Hope for Getting Through the Tough Times” to help you better understand how to take your anxious feelings to God and be filled with His peace … even in such uncertain times.

Listen to our conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Max Lucado has been the teaching pastor of Oak Hill Church in San Antonio, Texas for many years. His book You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times is available for a gift of any amount. If you can’t afford it, we’ll still make it available to you and trust that others will take care of us financially for doing so. Visit our website for more information.

If you’re having an especially difficult time right now, I invite you to speak with one of our caring Christian counselors. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).