Hometown Trouble

You may be thinking what does hometown even mean? It seems that people in a city may not use this word quite like small-town, rural folks. This is the place where you grew up or were born, but not necessarily where you lived your whole childhood. I was born in a small Western Kansas town and moved from there when I was twelve. I’ve always had family living in that small town so consequently visited my entire life. To this day, I call it my hometown.

Now let's look at trouble. If you haven't looked it up in Webster lately, you might be surprised like I was. As a noun, trouble has twelve definition entries. Probably the most common is a condition of mental or physical distress, annoyance, difficulty, or doing something badly. Trouble as a verb has six definitions including to agitate, cause inconvenience, disorder, or confusion. Summarizing, trouble encompasses a lot of what comes at us in life.

What on earth could all of that have to do with a promise from God? Well, it’s quite clear and simple. There will be trouble in our lives! Furthermore, there will be pain, disappointment, hurt, and heartache. God knew this and gave us solid, truthful words of advice, comfort, and peace.

When God came to earth in the form of man (Jesus), he would experience the same treatment that we sometimes do. Perhaps we visit our hometown and/or family and do not feel welcome. The honor just isn’t there like it is for a friend or other acquaintance. Here is an example of how Jesus was received in Nazareth which was his hometown. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4 NASB1995

The Lord’s Promise: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. In this verse, tribulation equals trials that relate to a test of faith or patience. In other words, trouble.

Promise Reinforced: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27

For You Today: In Psalm 107, the Israelites cried out to the Lord in trouble four different times. He delivered them out of all their distress. In the middle of a troublesome situation, call out to God. Sometimes a cooling or processing time is necessary. Regardless, don’t let too much time slip away before you move toward the living, faithful God with your prayers. They are like fragrant incense to him. He cares, wants the best for you, desires to heal your wounds, and knows your great value. David expressed trust in Psalms 91:15, “My God in whom I trust,” the Lord responded, “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”