Bible Reading: Psalm 34
Key Verse: Verse 19 - “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Key Words: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all
Troubles come in all shapes and sizes, at all times of the day or night, and at every stage in life. They respect no one, neither excluding the young nor bypassing the old. They crop up in all areas, touching our families, our finances, our jobs, our physical health, and our emotional well-being. We may go for long periods without them, but at other times they pile up with such frequency and buffet us with such intensity that we wonder if we will ever survive.
In thinking about this, I checked out the biblical reference to the word “trouble.” Here’s a brief summary of the results:
Trouble seems to be woven into the fabric of living (Job 14:1).
Many of our distresses are caused by our own sin and foolishness (Prov. 21:23, Psalm 78:32-33).
Some difficulties are created by other people (Psalm 9:13).
God allows trouble but is always in control (II Chronicles 29:8).
We have a refuge and strong defense in the Lord (Psalm 59:16).
He invites us to call upon Him in our distresses (Psalm 50:15).
We can expect deliverance in keeping with His will (Psalm 107:6, 143:11).
Perhaps we need to be reminded of what a wise old man said to a boy who asked, “What is life’s heaviest burden?” The man replied, “To have no burdens to carry.” His answer has special meaning for you, dear friend. Through affliction you can come to know the great Burden-bearer in a way that might not otherwise be possible. Without distress you would never know deliverance. As long as God is your refuge, you need not be troubled by your troubles.
✞ Where there are trials we find our greatest triumphs.
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