Wise Counsel for Troubled Times

Navigating the storms of life is impossible without a reliable compass and examples of those who have successfully sailed through similar seas. In this 13-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws from the lives of courageous biblical figures to provide “wise counsel” for modern challenges. By studying their victories and struggles, we discover practical principles for sustaining enthusiasm, overcoming failure, and maintaining integrity, ensuring we stay upright no matter how troubled the times become.

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1. Sustaining Enthusiasm (Joshua 1:1–9)

• Overview: Explores how Joshua maintained his drive and focus after the death of Moses. It addresses the danger of complacency and the need for courage rooted in the Word of God.
• Key Fact: Enthusiasm is sustained not by a lack of fear, but by a consistent immersion in God’s promises and commands.
• Scripture: Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

2. Overcoming Failure (Jonah 1–3)

• Overview: Uses the story of Jonah to show that failure is not final. God is the God of the second chance, capable of redeeming our most stubborn rebellions.
• Key Fact: God’s “severe mercy” is often used to bring us back to our knees and back to our original calling.
• Scripture: Jonah 3:1 – “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh…'”

3. Never Quitting (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: A call to perseverance. This message examines what it takes to stay the course when the pressure to give up becomes overwhelming.
• Key Fact: Persistence is a spiritual discipline; it is the refusal to allow circumstances to dictate the direction of your faith.
• Scripture: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

4. Thinking Biblically (Romans 12:1–2)

• Overview: Addresses the battle for the mind. To survive troubled times, we must reject the “mold” of the world and be transformed by the renewal of our thinking.
• Key Fact: Biblical thinking is the prerequisite for discerning God’s “good and acceptable and perfect” will.
• Scripture: Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

5. Demonstrating Wisdom (Proverbs 3)

• Overview: Practical insights from Solomon on the value of wisdom. It highlights the peace and protection that come from trusting God’s understanding over our own.
• Key Fact: Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge; it is “skill in living” that begins with a total reliance on the Lord.
• Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

6. Taking Responsibility (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: Challenges the “blame-game” culture. This message emphasizes the character and growth that come when we own our choices and their consequences.
• Key Fact: Maturity begins when we stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for our spiritual and relational health.
• Scripture: Galatians 6:5 – “For each one will bear his own load.”

7. Standing Alone (Daniel 1, 3, 6)

• Overview: Uses the life of Daniel and his friends to illustrate the courage needed to maintain biblical convictions in a pagan culture.
• Key Fact: Standing alone is possible only when we have already “determined in our hearts” whom we will serve before the crisis arrives.
• Scripture: Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food.”

8. Respecting Authority (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2)

• Overview: Explores the difficult biblical command to respect and submit to authority, even when those in power are flawed or difficult.
• Key Fact: Respecting authority is ultimately an act of trust in God’s sovereign control over human systems.
• Scripture: Romans 13:1 – “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.”

9. Cultivating Humility (1 Peter 5:5–7)

• Overview: Peter’s advice on the “clothing” of humility. This message shows how humility is the key to receiving God’s grace and being lifted up in His timing.
• Key Fact: Humility is the antidote to anxiety; we “cast our care” on Him precisely because we recognize His “mighty hand.”
• Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5 – “And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

10. Studying Hard (Ezra 7:10)

• Overview: Based on the life of Ezra, this message emphasizes the importance of being a “student of the Word” who practices what they learn.
• Key Fact: Ezra’s success was built on a threefold commitment: to study the Law, to practice it, and to teach it.
• Scripture: Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes.”

11. Modeling Integrity (Job 1; 31)

• Overview: Using the life of Job, Chuck explores the definition of integrity—being the same person in the dark that you are in the light.
• Key Fact: Integrity is not perfection; it is a consistent heart-orientation toward God that remains steady even under immense suffering.
• Scripture: Job 2:3 – “He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

12. Extending Grace (Selected Scriptures)

• Overview: A call to be “grace-givers” in a judgmental world. This message explores how to treat others with the same unmerited favor we have received from Christ.
• Key Fact: Grace is the lubricant of human relationships; it allows us to love those who are different or who have failed us.
• Scripture: Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt.”

13. Encouraging Others (Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–27)

• Overview: The series concludes with the life of Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement.” It highlights the power of coming alongside others to champion their growth.
• Key Fact: Encouragement is a “life-giving” ministry that can turn a rejected Saul into a powerful Apostle Paul.
• Scripture: Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

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Common Questions: Wise Counsel for Troubled Times

1. How can I sustain my “enthusiasm” when my circumstances are discouraging? According to the message on Joshua, enthusiasm is sustained by focusing on the constancy of God rather than the chaos of the world. It involves a daily choice to meditate on the Word until God’s perspective becomes more real to you than your problems.

2. What is the first step to “overcoming failure” like Jonah did? The first step is honest confession and a willingness to “arise.” Jonah’s story shows that God doesn’t just want to forgive you; He wants to restore you to the work He has called you to do.

3. What does it practically mean to “think biblically” in a secular world? In “Thinking Biblically,” Chuck suggests this involves a “mental filter.” Instead of letting the world’s opinions and media “mold” your worldview, you filter every thought through the truth of Scripture, asking “What does God say about this?”

4. Why is “humility” considered the secret to overcoming anxiety? As taught in 1 Peter 5, anxiety is often a result of trying to carry “the world” on our own shoulders. Humility is the recognition that we can’t carry it and that God’s “mighty hand” is better equipped to handle our cares.

5. How can I become an “encourager” like Barnabas? The series suggests that encouragement starts with “seeing” people as God sees them—not for their past failures, but for their future potential. It involves being willing to put your own reputation on the line to stand with someone who is struggling or being judged.