“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 5 Number 3 “Peace Even in Troubled Times!”

January 19th, 2022

Many of the dear folks who faithfully stop by every Wednesday for “Karen’s Notes” are going through difficult times. I am excited to share some thoughts directly from a two-day retreat that Karen taught. I have the great blessing of seeing the typed notes as well as my Karen’s handwritten notes. Thanks for stopping by today, and may the Lord help you in special ways in whatever kind of situation you face today.

Here are several Scripture passages that Karen used in this part of one of her seminars. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4). “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Karen wrote: Why are we so caught off guard when troubled times come our way? Hasn’t God warned us that “We shall have tribulation?” (John 16:33). Before the beginning of time, in eternity past, God has had a plan. He is the Author of peace and desires that we “let the peace of God rule in our hearts” (Colossians 3:15). It takes a diligent effort and a commitment to seek Him, even when we may not feel like it.

There may be times that you are experiencing really troubled times. You might be experiencing the frustration of appliances or cars breaking down. There may be financial difficulties you are facing. It might be a wayward child, difficult marriage, or health issues that are really significant to you right now. Two verses that have become a key challenge and blessing to me are “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

Think of it. We trust our doctor’s education and training. We trust our airline pilot’s abilities. We trust our investment counselors and their insights. We trust our car mechanics to understand how to repair our vehicles. These individuals and every other person as well can disappoint us and are capable of human error. That’s why it is so important for us to trust in the Lord.

Michael’s observation: In the Isaiah passage that Karen used, there are several key things to embrace and take with us. Our minds can be stayed on the Lord, and we can trust in the Lord. Focus on the Lord. He never fails. As we do this, great blessing will follow. I’ll share more of her notes concerning this next week.