"A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19
This verse immediately made me think of Jesus saying "In this world you will have troubles." (John 16:33) And yet, how many times do we act surprised when troubles come along? God has warned us that trouble is part of the earth package: live here and it just comes with it, like bacon with eggs, peanut butter with jelly. Earth living requires trouble dealing.
I've had people say that if God truly loves you you should be protected from hardship. Why would a loving God, they say, allow this to happen to His people? Well it's part of the place. It's like going to the beach and saying you don't want to get sandy; taking a trip to the mountains but not wanting the change in altitude. You can't have one without the other. Trouble came a long time ago in a beautiful garden when God's first children didn't mind Him any better than ours mind us. Since then trouble has slithered in on its belly in many forms, sneaking up on us when we'd rather avoid it.
A righteous man will have many troubles. That you can count on. God's not saying that if you're righteous, you'll find a way to avoid trouble. But in the second line, He's offering the promise that makes the difference: He will deliver you from them all. Granted, His methods of delivery will change with each circumstance. Sometimes the method may not be what you were hoping for. Sometimes the method will not fit your timetable. Sometimes the method may run counter to all human wisdom. But He will make it work, and the outcome will most likely surprise you.
One thing I always try to keep in mind is a verse in II Peter: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9)When God seems to be taking longer to deliver me from trouble, I try to keep this verse in mind-- His timetable is all about salvation for others. He doesn't want to lose anyone and He's willing to wait for them to get it. My delay might be for someone else's eternal benefit. With that in mind, I can sit back and wait, whispering that prayer I am learning to pray: I trust You, I trust You, I trust You.
7 comments:
Trust is the key. It is a word that I am dealing with this year. God is trying to teach me over and over to Trust.
Thanks for the word.
Such a good post for me this morning.
I love this....
"But He will make it work, and the outcome will most likely surprise you."
Sooo true. Thanks, Marybeth!
Blessings,
Kate :)
This was a beautiful post, and something that I need to remember and think about. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hi Friend!
You are in my prayers!
Hugs
This is so, so good! I needed this reminder today! Thank you!
Cheri
"My delay might be for someone else's eternal benefit." Sweet friend, that just puts it all in perspective.
Trusting Jesus. Thanks for this encouragement.
Hugs, love and prayers,
Joy
Thanks to my real-life friends Kristi, Cheri, Zibilee (Heather), and Joyful (Joy) for your sweet words. And thanks to Kate and SAGreen too. Kate you've been around these here parts for quite some time, and I so appreciate you coming back. Thanks to those of you who pray for me and my family. We can always, always use those prayers!! I love hearing from you guys even if I don't always do the best job of following up on the comments!!
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