The way out of trouble.

That way, is listed and explained in the Scripture passage below. James was writing to people who had actually gotten themselves into a position of being friends of the world, and therefore enemies of God.

This is what he went on to say to them. And, as you will notice, it starts and ends with God's graciousness.

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Here's what the Lord says...

Receive His grace......Twice in 4:8, we are told He gives grace.

Submit to God........come under His authority.

Resist the devil........or oppose the devil like Jesus did when tempted.

Draw near to God......or approach God, come near Him.

Cleanse your hands you sinners.....through confession, repentance, and forgiveness

Purify your hearts you double-minded......be free from is the idea.

Lament and mourn and weep......be sorrowful.

Let your laughter be turned to mourning....take it seriously, be genuinely sorry.

Let your joy be turned to gloom.....similar to what is above.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord...take this lowly attitude within yourself.

There is then this promise given in 4:10, that the Lord will lift you up. He will give you honor. That's what the Lord does in a person's life.

Jesus said, Mt 23:12* “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Will you pray with me.... Lord, there is no one who has not gotten themselves into some trouble. And, there is no one who has not needed Your help to get out of trouble. We would ask right now for anyone who is either reading this devotional, or knows of someone who needs help, to let You bring them out of the trouble they are in. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. Trouble is not too much for God.

2. He loves the person in trouble.

3. He will help the person in trouble.

4. He will help you if you need it.

5. His grace is more then your trouble.

6. He promises to lift you up.

7. Humility is the only requirement from Him.