EXPERIENCING TROUBLE Devotion #1 of 6

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)

INTRODUCTION

Life in this world is attended by many unpleasantries. For many, this is a disconcerting experience with which they cannot contend. Satan has deceived them into thinking this world is primary, and that a trouble-free life is the ultimate blessing. A tranquil environment is good, and disturbance of life is bad. However, a tranquil environment is not the best thing, and disturbance of life is not the worse thing.

PEOPLE WE KNOW BECAUSE OF TROUBLE

There are a number of individuals in Scripture introduced to us by "trouble." Noah lived in a time of moral and physical trouble. We know very little about Noah apart from association with trouble. The patriarch Job stands tall when it comes to enduring trouble. "Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful" (James 5:11). We learn of Lot in the context of trouble. During the Babylonian captivity, when "trouble" gripped the Jews, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo surfaced. We probably would never heard of these saints if they had not been in "trouble."

WHAT IS "TROUBLE"? Not Confined to Circumstance

Trouble is not confined to circumstance. More precisely, it is the effect of circumstance upon the individual. "Trouble" is distress, affliction, disturbance, and anguish--but it is more than that. It is the disruption of ease, the challenging of peace, and the intrusion of inconvenience. By its very nature, "trouble" cannot be handled casually. Its presence requires the attention and action of the troubled one.

God and Satan Involved

Both God and Satan are associated with trouble. Satan uses trouble to shake the soul, provoking one to abandon the faith. God uses trouble to bring us to a high spiritual plateau, where we can appropriate resources made available to us. These benefits are not ordinarily obtained in a state of tranquility.

Change That Tends Downward

Trouble is change that tends downward. It is disruption that can bring debilitating distraction. From this view, it is more than mere adversity or inconvenience. If we do not allow faith to dominate in trouble, we will drift from the Lord. Fleshly responses will surface, clouding the understanding, and accentuating things that are seen. On the other hand, Faith is perceived in trial because it is visibly contrasted with the reaction of flesh (Sister June).

Means of Removing Dross

More than this, trouble is an appointed means of getting dross out of our lives. God uses trouble to refine us. After all, our Lord is a "Refiner's Fire." "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap" (Mal. 3:2). Trouble has a way of cutting the chords to this world, and constraining us to lean upon the Lord. We learn from trouble how inadequate we are and how impoverished the world is.

Conflict with the Temporal Order

Trouble is the conflict of the temporal order with the eternal one. When the to worlds with which we have to do collide, there is trouble. As a "present evil world," the realm of the seen is in sharp contrast ton the heavenlies, where our affection is "set" (Col. 3:1-3). If you will permit it to do so, trouble will wean you from things that will keep you from entering heaven.

Thirsting for God

One of the most unique expressions concerning the experience of trouble is found in Psalm 42:7. "Deep calls unto deep at the sound of Thy waterfalls; All Thy breakers and Thy waves have rolled over me." The idea here is that misfortune often comes in battalions rather than in single file. One blow follows another, with little time for recuperation. That is "trouble!" In this Psalm, the experience of trouble is perceived through the eyes of one in earnest quest of God. "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God" (v. 1-2). How refreshing to read of a quest like that! How blessed it is to experience it!

The Battered Soul

But there is more to appropriating God than having a desire to do so. The knowledge of God does not always come easy. Sometimes there are storms that batter the soul. They are so strong that despair begins to lurk at the door of the heart. The Psalmist challenges his soul. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become so disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence" (v. 5). That is "deep calling unto deep." It is like the tumultuous sound of torrents of water that drown out the singing of the turtle dove.

More Within That Without

Trouble is more within than without. It is a condition of the soul, in which agitation and confusion strive for domination. Despair couches like a lion at the door of the mind and heart, seeking to consume us. During trouble, we are like a wineskin suspended in the smoke (Psa. 119:83). Our strength wanes, and we become weak. In this experience self confidence is dealt a devastating blow, and we come to realize that "the flesh profiteth nothing" (John 6:63).

-- TOMORROW: THE INEVITABILITY OF TROUBLE --