When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. (Psalm 34:17-19)
Anyone who says that life will be a walk in the park once you become a Christian is a liar. To be honest, more trouble seems to come to those who accept Christ. It’s inevitable. Each one of us is going through something, I am certain of it because the past two years have been my most challenging yet. But why is there always so much opposition? As Christians we have a real enemy. He wants us to turn away from Jesus in order to hinder our sanctification and to make us doubt our salvation. He wants to blind us and lead us into sin to make us think that we can never be forgiven again. He wants us to feel alone, depressed and oppressed. He ultimately wants in hell, forever separated from God. This enemy is Satan. He is a well-known liar. It is important to know his nature. In times of need, we have to remember that the Lord is on our side, that He loves us unconditionally and that He renews the strength of those who hope in Him; so should we worry when going through the hard times? Those who believe that God is everything He says He is and that He can what He says remain firm in trouble for they knew every problem is an opportunity to see the glory of God. Every though situation is a privilege to see God do what He does best: taking care of His children. When all doors seem to be closing at once and I have no where to turn, I find a hiding place in God.
Recently my family experienced an especially difficult week, but God supernaturally gave each one of us the strength to pull through and God also opened up my eyes to understand that whether painful or hurtful, somehow it fits His plan for my protection and for a secure future, and that peace came only when I surrendered after having searched for alternatives comfort. There, in the privacy of a small office, my God came rushing in and only under the shadow of His sweet embrace that I felt at peace and safe. Not surprisingly, He has promised to keep each one of us safe, holy, separated unto Himself; and He is a promise keeper (glory!). “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3) I realized today that God will always choose the hardships that best prepare us for the future challenges. It may not look or feel like it at the time but as we rest in Him, it becomes abundantly clear that it accomplishes its purpose and that in His chosen time and place He always comes. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)
Friend may you rest peacefully in His plan and provisions. Don’t be foolish to turn away from such deep love. Trust your Shepherd to lead you to green pastures. May you know without a doubt that God’s hand is never too far off to save! May you live in perfect union with Him. May you know that in Him alone you are safe so that you can be still, and unshaken in His divine presence and more importantly, may you know that He is God, your only hiding place forever!
Meditate on the verses below: (email me for the complete list)
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13-14)
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10)
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (Psalm 119:50)
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. (Psalm 138:7)
Praise the Lord!
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