How to Solve Problems

Two years ago I was introduced to a "transcribed" class by Elder WD Frazee entitled "How to Solve Problems." It was a really worthwhile read, and was a blessing not only to myself but to those with whom I've had the privilege to share it. The class talked about the ABCD and E, and even F of problem-solving, and provides a more God-centered approach to handling challenges.

Well, today, the devotional that I share with my friend, Anthony, reminded me of those beautiful counsels again. We read Psalm 3 today, and it talked about David's trouble as he was fleeing from his son, Absalom.

In our lives, it's often true that we feel prepared for problems before the problems begin, and that we feel alright about the problems after problems are solved, but that we lose ourselves somewhere when we are right in the middle of the problem. Psalm 3 gives us a view of David fleeing for his life, a very present problem indeed.

So we solve problems like David did in that mountain.

A - Accept the assignment. Acknowledge it. 

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.  

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.  Psalm 3:1, 2

B - Believe two things: (1) without God you can do nothing, but (2) with God you can do everything.

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  Psalm 3:3

C - Claim the wisdom that God has promised. Claim wisdom through the four channels of guidance: His Word, Providence, Impressions of the Holy Spirit, Counsel of brethren.

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. Psalm 3:4 

D - Do it. Do according to the wisdom that you have just claimed, but remember that D is not the A nor the B nor the C. It is the D.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.  Psalm 3:5

That was probably the best thing for him to do - to rest, to find peace within himself from the Lord, to trust in God's sustaining power.

E - Express faith and Thanksgiving.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.  

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.  

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.  

In the very end, I realized that through the storms without and within, God gives me peace and rest. He hears me and sustains me. Through stresses and doubts and guilt and fears and whatever, there is always help in the Lord. He is "my shield and my glory and the lifter up of mine head." I've seen Him do it for me over and over again, and He does it for me still. It would be well for each of us to put up ebenezers of God's faithful providence so we can always know that He is our peace amidst every storm, and in every present trouble, He is our very present help.

For more about WDFrazee's "How to Solve Problems," click here or leave a comment.

Rebellion or Rejoicing?

My friend Anthony and I recently began a shared devotional on the book of Psalms. Early in the morning, one would call the other up, read one chapter, share related scriptures and passages from Inspiration, and personal reflections.

The first one we did (on Psalm 1) was very helpful that I was able to share the thoughts in church also for our AY Program. Today, we did Psalm 2, which on the whole talks about the futility of rebelling against God and the blessedness of continually trusting in Him.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],  

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.  

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.  

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, 

Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.  

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, 

and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.  

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.  

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.  

Psalm 2:1-12

When we look at how things are carrying on in the world around us, we may sometimes wonder how come evil seems to prosper, especially among the most influential and powerful in the world. Yet, there is nothing for us to fear because God has not closed His eyes. He sees and He is still in control of everything.

According to the hymn that Sis. Arlene and I sang for our morning worship today, 

"This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Though, for a season, it may seem like the world is ruled by man and his evil heart, yet just as the vision of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel tells us, Christ is our rightful king and all these other kingdoms will be dashed to pieces.

The Lord takes charge of His work in the world and of His work in our individual hearts. Let us not fear, but trust, for in trusting we find strength to obey. In trusting the Lord's faithfulness, we can live in harmony with His perfect will. And in that perfect will, there is designed for us rejoicing. In choosing our own way, no matter how right or logical or practical that way may appear, we will always meet with disappointment and frustration. It is a vain thing to rebel against God. But the end of obedience to Him is rejoicing. There is joy in serving the Lord. Always.

This is my Father's world; why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!