Charisma Magazine

Whether you're in the throws of a challenging marriage or your teenager is in full rebellion, tough times are inevitable in life. And though God may not respond to all your whys, He promises to be "a very present help" in the time of need. Author Lysa TerKeurst has had her share of hardships, but she has learned how to rest in God's peace. You can to. To watch the video below, click here.

If you were to ask me to name the most important principle of Christian living I've ever learned, I would answer you without hesitation. It is the secret of daily communion with God. That is, without question, the No. 1 priority of the Christian life. It is the key that opens every door.

Yet it is the one thing many Christians can't seem to find time for.

We are confronted with many challenges and attacks from the enemy, but Scripture says we are more than conquerors. However, we mustn't try to defeat the adversary in our own might (see Ps. 34:4). We will never win. Draw strength from the one who defeated death, hell and the grave, and you will have victory not only today, but every day of your life.

Imagine a world where everyone looks like Barbie and Ken. Try to imagine yourself as a Barbie, talking to the other Barbies and Kens.

Would you like yourself? Would you think you were as pretty as the other Barbies? Would you be envious of them?

Would everyone in the group be happy with how they look? Or would some be depressed, struggling with a negative body image? Would others feel better than everyone else based on how they look?

It wouldn't take long for the individuals to find a way to look different from the rest of the group. The girls who needed to think of themselves as better than the others would do their hair in a different way to try to validate their importance.

Catastrophes have a way of being so all-consuming that it becomes difficult to remember what preceded the moment of crisis and what things might lie ahead. The worse the situation, the more absorbing it is, until we find that we just can’t think of anything else.

The beginning point for overcoming tragedy is to pursue God. As we behold Him, the circumstances of life begin to come into proper perspective. What is temporary becomes swallowed up by the eternal.

As we enter into the true worship of God, the hurts and fears we feel begin to slip away. Praise validates the sovereignty of God in our souls. As we enthrone Him in our situations through praise and recognition of His awesomeness, we will gain strength to move forward.

Christians often refer to the Holy Spirit as an "it," but that's not what the Bible says about the third person of the Godhead. The late Fuchsia Pickett was a noted Bible teacher who traveled the U.S. and abroad preaching about the Holy Spirit. Her insight on the Comforter will help you understand His purpose in your life. Listen to the podcast below.