Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 5, 2017
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalms 59:16
Times of trouble are ever looming in our life. They are approaching us, surrounding us, or engulfing us. Times of trouble are never too far off, so we should not be surprised when they arrive. It may be relational trouble born of a marriage gone bad. Maybe you’re in trouble at work because of someone else’s choices. You trusted a peer to perform with excellence, but they let you and the company down with a subpar performance. Now some hard decisions have to be made. Perhaps financial cuts and layoffs are the reality of the situation. The business has gone from times of abundance to times of trouble. Indeed, the naïve act as if things will always be all right, while the prudent plan ahead (Proverbs 22:3). Wise is a leader and his team who plan for lean times with prayerful and financial forethought.
Times of trouble can take us down if we are not rooted in the Word of God. God’s Word is our anchor in adversity. It reminds us to place our hope in heaven, and not on earth. The principles of Scripture teach us how to act and what we need to do while we wait on God. The Bible is our blanket of comfort and security. We gain our strength from our Savior Jesus, as He is defined and described in Holy Writ. We trust Him when we know Him, and we come to know Him through His Word. Times of trouble tempt us to lose our trust in God. However, trust looks trouble in the eye and is not terrified. Trust trumps trouble. This was Daniel’s demeanor in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22).
Furthermore, there is an urge to overreact during times of trouble. Instead of giving God control, we try to seize it and won’t let go. A closed hand cannot trust, while an open hand releases control to Christ. Let go, and let the Lord lead you through this time of trouble. We think we are in control, but in reality we never have been and never will be. Christ is in control. You can sing to heaven and quit murmuring to man because God is omnipotent. The Almighty is all-powerful.
The Lord is large and in charge. Therefore, you can exclaim in praise over His all-encompassing power (2 Chronicles 20:22). Your song of satisfaction is for God alone because you have experienced His loving kindness in the midst of your times of trouble. Your refuge is His righteousness, not your riches. You came into this world without, and you will leave this world without (Job 1:21). So, between your first and last breath, take your refuge in the One who introduces you to life and death. Use times of trouble to trust Him deeply and love Him sweetly. Times of trouble lead to opportunity; so seize this moment for your Savior. Above all else, praise God for His provision of peace during times of trouble. Trouble is your ticket for trust.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I face troubles I trust You, so I can carry on and not quit.Application
How can I be resourceful to look for ways to work out my difficulty? Whom do I need to sit down with and discuss solutions to my situation?Related Reading
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