Thought-Full Encouragement: When distressed, Trust in the Lord.

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 Psalm 31: 9-15 says:

"Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.  For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.  Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.  I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.  For I hear the whispering of many -- terror on every side! -- as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'  My times are in your hands; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!"

There may have been many times where this prayer lifted up by King David has been on the hearts, tongues, and minds of a lot of us.  Especially in today's social, cultural, and political climate.  We feel boxed in, cornered, and attacked by everyone around us, with no escape or refuge from the continual torment and tribulation of each moment.

Do you know someone that may be in this state of mind?  Have you ever been, or are you currently in, this state of mind?  Then read verses 14 and 15 again... But I trust in you, Lord...Even in the midst of these trying and troubling times we can rejoice in knowing that God is with us!  That He is a good God and we have refuge in Him!  Have courage because "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."  Psalm 30: 5b.

It would be good to understand the word joy.  This is not to be confused or conflated with the word happy.  This is a joy that can be had in the middle of your struggles, strains, and pains.  This is the joy of a battered and bruised mother after she just gave birth to her child. This is the joy of a father, after working hard all day, week, month, year, when he see's his child walk across that stage at a graduation.  This is the joy of being grateful for all that you have, rather then bitter for what you don't.  It's the joy you see in Paul as he is afflicted in his trials.  This joy is brought on by choice.  A choice to have hope, and peace, and gracious thankfulness in the midst of pain and persecution.

You see, Christ never promised a life free of challenges, He promised the opposite (John 16: 33) and it is considered as joy (James 1: 2-4). So, when you are faced with what seems insurmountable, unwavering, and unstoppable, rejoice in knowing that Christ has overcome the world, that your joy can not be taken, removed, or revoked.  It is God-given and guaranteed.  And how wonderful it is to have it.

Until next time.

Graciously,

E. R. Jennings

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