33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
A lot of people think that once you accept Christ, everything will be magical with no problems. The Bible is very clear that we will face trials. The comfort the Christian has is that we have God with us through these trials. In fact, it says that these trials will produce perseverance (Rom. 5:3). That doesn't mean everything will go the way we want, but if we lean into God, we will have peace. In fact, maybe we should welcome trials. I know that sounds counter culture. But many of us, myself included, when times are good, we put life on cruise control. Yes, we thank God for the blessings, but if we don't see an immediate need, its easy to just cruise through life. Sometimes what makes us turn to God is a trial. Now, I am not saying God makes trials happen so we will come back to him, but I do think sometimes He uses circumstances to bring us back to him. I heard a guy on the radio the other day talking about his conversion experience. He lost everything. When he was crying out to God, he heard God say would you have come back to me if you hadn't lost everything? And he admitted, probably not. It is so easy to get caught up on easing up on our relationship with Him when things are going good.
In January of 2025, my first memory verse for the year was Romans 8:18.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
There is no trial that we will face that will compare with the glory we have in Christ. My Bible commentary says the Paul calls the sufferings "light affliction" compared to the eternal weight of glory. That does put things in perspective.
Praying scripture has helped me a lot! Hiding the word in my heart has also been essential! The Lord has had me in Psalms lately. One of the first scriptures many people learn is Psalms 23. I remember learning that as a kid. Most of us can probably recite it. Recite it, but may not think much about it. Rote memory. But recently, I have really thought and prayed about what it is saying.
1 The Lord is (You are) my shepherd, I lack nothing. (You provide everything I need, Jehovah Jireh, God provides)
2 He (You) makes me lie down in green pastures, he (You) leads me beside quiet waters, (Jehovah Nachum, God comforts)
3 he (You) refreshes my soul. He (You) guides me along the right paths for his (your) name’s sake. (Jehovah El Roi, God sees me)
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I am so thankful that no matter what, God is there. He has carried me through so much in my life. I'm sure there are things he has carried me through that I don't even know! We have all seen the "Footprints" pictures and script. I feel like so much of my life there has only been the one set of footprints because he was having to do so much carrying of me. I am so grateful of the blessings he has sent my way.
Another Psalm that has comforted me lately is Psalm 34. A good friend sent this to me recently. I had read it before, but this time with a more intent lens.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and He
heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all
around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that
the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires
life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are on
the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those
who do evil,
To [cut off the remembrance of them from the
earth.
17 The righteous cry out,
and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who
have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the
afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Isn't that good?!!!
The Lord is there in times of trouble, in times of strife. He comforts during the trials and tribulations of life. In everything, good and bad, give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Anyone who knows me, knows that music speaks to my soul. Below are two songs that have been my anthems lately. I hope they touch you the way they have touched me.
