EXPERIENCING TROUBLE Devotion #2 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)

THE INEVITABILITY OF TROUBLE

Part of our humanity is our subjectivity to trouble. It is an experience common to every member of our race. The only difference between us is the degree to which trouble is experienced. When sin entered the world, trouble entered with it. And it will not leave until we leave!

In A Blighted World

We are in a world that has been blighted by sin and unbelief. It is not possible to live in this world without experiencing "trouble." This is the realm of the curse, the domain of temporality; and "trouble" is the result of these two characteristics. Where there is no curse or temporality, trouble cannot exist. Its presence confirms the statement of our Lord, "Heaven and earth shall pass away." "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble" (Job 14:1).

Systems of Flawed Thought

There are whole systems of thought that teach people to pretend like there is no trouble. These philosophies are to be shunned with determination; they are dangerous. If you act as though there is no trouble, you will not flee to God for refuge during trouble. In such a case, that philosophy has robbed your soul. If that situation is no altered, it will lead to everlasting destruction from the Lord and the glory of His power.

Conflicting Worlds

Trouble is the conflict of two opposing worlds. The seen and the unseen, the eternal and the temporal, the heavenly and the earthly, the godly and the ungodly. When good and evil collide, there is trouble!

Abrasive to the Soul

Trouble is abrasive to the soul of man, tending to disorient him. It is a form of temptation, brought on by the wicked one, who desires to "sift" us. The devil knows that circumstance can have a powerful effect upon us. Great difficulties have caused many a person to curse God and abandon the faith.

GOD, A REFUGE IN TROUBLE

Those in Christ can find refuge in the midst of trouble. In fact, that is one of the chief ministries of trouble. It provides a strong stimulus to "call upon the name of the Lord." The individual dominated by faith flees to God for refuge "in times of trouble." When this occurs, Satan has overplayed his hand, much like he did in the case of Job.

A Promise from Our God

Faith--strong faith--is required to appropriate these promises; but they can be appropriated. "And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me" (Psa 50:15). "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him" (Psa 91:15). It makes no difference what type of trouble we are experiencing, or the intensity with which it may be assaulting us. The promises are still true, and God is waiting to fulfill them to you.

Unequivocal Declarations

Faith requires an affirmation--a word from God. Our Father has graciously provided just what we need. "The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble" (Psa 9:9). "The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psa 34:17). "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him" (Nahum 1:7). "From six troubles He will deliver you, Even in seven evil will not touch you" (Job 5:19). It is not possible to experience disqualifying trouble. Difficulty cannot put you out of God's reach. Only unbelief can do that.

PERMITTED BY PROVIDENCE

All trouble is permitted by God: there is no other way for it to exist. This is why it is said, "God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13, NASV). This could not be said if God Himself was not in absolute control of all things. Observe that His approval is required before anything trouble can come your way. Further, He will not allow the Tempter to confront you with temptations beyond your ability. In Jesus, you are able to "escape" from every snare of the fowler. Every test of your faith comes with a way of escape. The temptation itself leads to sin, but it is coupled with an guaranteed escape route.

-- TOMORROW: PLEAS FOR HELP IN TROUBLE --