James 3:14-16

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and be in defiance of the truth. This (superficial) wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural, even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder (unrest, rebellion) and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.

A worldly self-ambitious person will deny the truth of God and His guidance. The motive of the heart will be revealed in a person’s actions, whether good or evil. This worldly self-ambitious behavior is increasing in the world, and sin is increasing. Our goal is to keep ourselves clean of the world and to keep our focus on the Bible, Church, and Jesus.

James 1:12

Blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) is the man who is steadfast under trial and preserves when tempted, for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

We should be calm when trials come to us but have a plan for how we will react. When we police our thoughts and cast down anything that doesn’t align with God’s word, our trials will be shortened. If we choose not to let the flesh get the better of us, we will succeed in avoiding temptation. As believers, problems will come to us, but our attitude will make all the difference.  

James 1:3-4

Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance (leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace). And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be a perfect and completely developed (in your faith), lacking in nothing.

As people of faith, we need to practice endurance when life gets uncomfortable. When we believe in God’s ability to act on our behalf, we will remain in peace as we wait. Waiting isn’t always comfortable; we must stay firm in God’s word and promises. Our comfort and peace are established in our hearts through faith in God.

Psalm 72:12-14

For he will rescue the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted and abused also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and he will save the lives of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and fraud and violence, and their blood will be precious in His sight. 

Our God has compassion for His people in need and hears their cries. The message of salvation is a hand-up that brings the poor out of the poverty mindset. God gives hope where a vision of hope can’t be seen. The transformation of God working in the spirit removes the oppression of evil, redeeming the afflicted

Psalm 53:8-9

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. I will thank You forever, because You have done it, (You have rescued me and kept me safe). I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your Godly ones.

God reminds us many times in the bible of how our relationship works. We have faith in Him, and He protects and prospers us. It is essential in these times and the times to come to build up our foundation and stand firm in that knowledge. Then we will not be shaken, and we will not be moved.  

Psalm 34:21-22

Evil will cause the death of the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held guilty and will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

God is our safety net, a hedge of protection, and, for the lost, a guide and refuge. We cannot fear evil or the wicked because they are condemned for their works. Our goal is to remain faithful servants through the ups and downs and let God take care of the evil that tries to come against us.  

Psalm 34:19

Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them broken.

This life requires faith and trust in God; without it, we would perish in all the tests and trials. As Christians, our faith should be our witness to the moving of God in our life. We have faith because God has rescued us from the “perplexing circumstances.” Our focus on God in our faith is the key to unlocking the door to God working on our behalf.  

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same persecution from your own countrymen, as they did from the Jews who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and harassed and drove us out; and (they) continue to be highly displeasing to God and (to show themselves) hostile to all people.

Christians have suffered persecution for over 2000 years, and here we are starting to see a change toward the faith. Our best defense in an intolerant world is to keep our focus committed to the word and God. God is our strength, courage, and confidence in an intolerant world. We cannot draw back from the faith now but press forward.    

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

For you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you just as a father does (in dealing with) his own children, (guiding you) to live lives (of honor, courage, and personal integrity) worthy of God who (saves you and) calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Paul is encouraging us like a parent who encourages his children to walk worthy of God who called us. We will be hampered by guilt and sin when we don’t live with integrity. Sin doesn’t draw us closer to God but farther away from Him.  God wants us to be people of honor and integrity and represent God here on this earth. 

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love (and diligently practice) kindness. And to walk humbly with your God (setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness).

Our attitude is always our choice, and if we limit our negative reactions to circumstances, we can walk in love and be kind. It may take time and practice to suppress the flesh and let the spirit lead, but it makes a massive difference in our peace. As we walk humbly with God, we can grow in our spirits and overcome the flesh.