When our next-door neighbors told us that they were moving away, at first, my husband Joe and I were very sad. Then, when they told us that our new neighbors had five dogs, we began to panic. Joe and I immediately began to fret about the noise and irritation that we would have to endure because of barking dogs being so close to us. We had a similar problem in our former home, and it made our lives miserable day and night.

Suddenly, I remembered the powerful resources I had in my close relationship with God and prayer. I appealed to the Lord to make certain that having five dogs next door would be a blessing to us, instead of a curse. That was fourteen years ago, and I can honestly say that our neighbors' pets have never been a problem for us in any way, including where barking is concerned. And they have been the greatest blessing to us out of all of our neighbors over the years.

The Lord reminded me of this experience recently when I had heard some upsetting news. He reassured me that if I would resist becoming fearful - and if I would pray and put my trust in Him - He would guarantee that the situation would work FOR me, instead of against me. Since then, I have learned to call this "the five-dog rule." When my husband became upset about something the other day, I told him, "Remember the five-dog rule!" And it helped him not to panic, but to put his trust in God.

Scripture says about God's righteous ones - "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." (Psalm 112:7-8 NLT) Praise God that you and I don't have to fear bad news when we trust the Lord to care for us, and to turn our troubles into triumphs!

Prayer: Lord, whenever I hear bad news of any kind, please calm my heart and mind, and cause me to immediately reach out to You. Give me Your perspective in the situation, and help me to pray the prayers of Your heart. Remind me that it is Your will and pleasure to fight my battles for me, as I commit and entrust them to You. Thank You that as I resist fear and doubt, You will cause me to triumph over every adversity!