What to Do When You’re in Trouble

DCC Devotionals: “What to Do When You’re in Trouble”
By Dr. Don Vess

Key Verse:
“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.’”
— Psalm 91:14–15 (NLT)

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Devotional Thought:

Trouble has a way of finding us—sometimes through circumstances beyond our control, and sometimes because of our own choices. But Scripture assures us that no matter how the storm arises, we are never alone in it.

When Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s death, He withdrew to a quiet place—but the crowds followed Him. Even in His grief, Jesus had compassion, healed the sick, and performed one of His most famous miracles—feeding the five thousand with only five loaves and two fish. What started as a time of trouble became a testimony of provision.

But the trouble didn’t end there.

That same evening, the disciples found themselves stuck in a storm. Battling waves in the middle of the night, they were afraid—until Jesus came to them walking on the water. And when Peter stepped out in faith and began to sink, Jesus reached down and caught him.

“I Am” is always near—even in the storm.

Trouble may come in many forms: a financial burden, a health crisis, a broken relationship. It may even come from within, as it did with Jonah, whose disobedience led him into the belly of a great fish. But whether the trouble is external or self-inflicted, the path forward is the same: pray, act, and stand.

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Scriptures for Reflection:
•Psalm 50:15 (NLT): “Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.”
•John 16:33 (NKJV): “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
•Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God…”

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Practical Steps When Trouble Comes:
1.Pray
Don’t let fear or pride keep you from crying out to God. He listens. He cares. And He acts.
2.Act
Take a spiritual inventory. Have you wandered from God? Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to change course? Repent, and respond in obedience.
3.Stand
Don’t quit. Trouble doesn’t mean God is absent—it may be the very place where you see His presence the most.

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Encouragement for Today:

God never promised a trouble-free life—but He did promise His presence in the middle of it. Like Peter on the waves, you may feel overwhelmed. But remember: the same hand that created the storm can still it—and catch you before you sink.

One of the most profound truths of the Christian life is this:

Peace isn’t the absence of trouble—it’s the presence of God. — J. Oswald Sanders

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Prayer:

Father, thank You for being near to me in times of trouble. Help me to call on You first—not last. Give me strength to stand, wisdom to act, and faith to endure. I trust You with every storm, knowing You are with me and working all things together for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.