Inspired by her study of 1 Corinthians, my friend, Jan, wrote the following devotional describing how God’s Word guides her through difficulties.

In his reply to a letter from the Corinthians, Paul reminded them of the times Israel had strayed from God’s commandments and what the consequences were. In other words, he let them know that for every choice, there was a consequence, some desirable, some not. He implored them to follow the Lord’s teachings if they wanted to avoid devastating results. Paul reminded the Corinthians that when they were tempted, Jesus’ words would always show them how to avoid temptation.

Busy Busy Busy

Our lives are full of things we must do, things we think we should do, and things we feel others want us to do. We often forget the things we need to do to live lives closer to Jesus. We get so caught up in our day-to-day activities that we need to be reminded of what can happen if we make poor choices. This does not mean that when bad things happen, we are being punished. These are the times when we need God’s Word the most to help us manage the situation.

During the Hard Times

When our lives take unexpected turns, what can we do to help us stay on the Christian path? One way is to follow Biblical verses you can anchor yourself to which reminds you of what Jesus would want you to do. The Word of God is the most powerful way to get through difficult and complex times. It is also how we can stay close to Him and live our lives following His plan for us.

Anchored to the Word

I have five “anchors”—two Psalms and three verses (see below). Early in my teaching career, I was missing time with my family. I learned I could be a part of my family’s activities by managing my paper grading and lesson planning around their activities and needs. It was difficult for me because I had more work to do after they all went to bed.

During this time, my “anchor” was Psalms 23. Most times, I recited just a verse of the Psalms, but it was not always the same verse. Remembering His Word has guided me through other difficulties that have come my way —death, illness, loss of job, and divorce. These verses led me to choose the right path; even when I wavered, they led me back.

Choosing the right path may not always be the easiest, but God’s Word always guides us along it. Just as the ancient Israelites and the Jewish people of Jesus’s time needed to be reminded that God’s way was the best way of life, we also need to be reminded. I’ve found that what I call “anchors” have helped me. I urge you to think about what your “anchors” might be and see if remembering them regularly might help you see the Way.

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Relevant Scripture

1 Corinthians

Psalm 23

Psalm 121

¹ There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  (Philippians 4:13)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)