Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 4, 2011
“O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured.” Psalm 132:1
Hardships are meant to point us to heaven. It is our hope in heaven that helps us through turbulent times. Yes, it can try our trust in the Lord, but He is our one constant support. The foundation of circumstances may shift under our feet from economic earthquakes, but these temporal tremors need not distract our focus on the eternal.
Christ does not change. His desire is to change us into becoming more like Him. His promises and character are consistent and a rock of refuge. In our pain it is ok to plead with God for relief, and to remember the sufferings of His son Jesus on our behalf. After all, it’s the merit of Christ’s afflictions and death that we are able to approach the Lord for life and love.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV).
Furthermore, see hardships as heaven’s hammer to chip away pride, ego, false beliefs and unbecoming behavior. We are all a work in progress in need of the Lord’s loving but convicting light to shine on our shortcomings. You can endure this downturn in financial fortune, because your security is in your Savior, and not your net worth.
You will endure this bruising of your reputation because, like Jesus, you are a man or woman of ‘no reputation’: “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7, KJV).
David endured hardships because he was so busy doing the work of the Lord he did not have time for anxious speculations. Therefore, be consumed with Christ and executing His agenda. You will find little time for worry when all you want is to worship, love and to obey the Lord. Use hardships as an excuse to engage heaven’s resources for His glory.
Follow the example of Jesus in enduring hardships, “…who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2b-3).
How does Christ want to change me during these changing times?
Related Readings: Psalm 69:7-10; Proverbs 18:14; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 2:3
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Food for thought