Today was the first day of school for my four kids at three different schools. In a new district, a new city, a new state. It was also my first day at my new job! Lots of firsts, lots of amazing things. But there were also moments of heartache and struggle.

Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes. Each day has its own troubles and worries (Matthew 6:34). Fear creeps in, doubt finds a foothold, and trouble can have a snowball effect.

Today, trouble looked like driving away while my youngest two tried to hide tears walking up to their new school. Trouble threatened to derail me when the high school called in the middle of the day to tell me they couldn’t find my son. And then when he came home and burst into tears, after holding in all the stress and confusion from his first day. Trouble came when my daughter said she was so lonely at lunch, and when my other son said he didn’t get time to eat his lunch. (Disclaimer: my troubles may pale in comparison to yours, but that’s not the point.)

What does trouble look like for you today?

I think it’s important that we take time to reflect, to be aware of our feelings, and to remember the Truth. God’s word is full of promise and encouragement, restoration and redemption.

Discouragement can distract us. When we’re distracted, we distance ourselves. When we’re distant, we can quickly become disillusioned. We need to be intentional as the body of Christ to build each other up, to point each other back to God. To remind ourselves and one another that we are never alone in our trouble. God is with us – always.

Wednesday nights are my favorite; we have corporate prayer at church. Even though today was our busiest in a long time, I knew I needed to go tonight. During our prayer time, God reminded me of a line from the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: “drive the dark of doubt away…”

Doubt lives in the shadows. Faith helps bring it into the light of His presence. Trouble tries to get us off track, to make us forget our calling and our purpose. Fear is real, but God’s love is waiting to overwhelm it.

I believe God wants us to strengthen what remains. To trust Him with our whole heart. To believe Him to do what only He can do.

To heal our broken hearts. Soften the jagged edges. Restore the lost things. To turn it all to good, all for His glory.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus (John 16:33)