I wish we lived in a trouble-free world. I know that’s only wishful thinking and such thoughts bring with them a flood of unhappiness, disillusionment and frustration. Let’s face it we live in a troubled world.
A trouble-free world is unattainable.
If trouble is inevitable then what we really need is protection - a defense against it’s bruising blows. An armed soldier arms himself against the offender because he knows the offender is real. Doing otherwise is suicidal. The offender will attack whether we’re ready or not.
Trouble is offensive.
Trouble’s purpose is to cause harm. Strong trouble overcomes the weak and in its wake it leaves destruction, devastation, desolation and despair.
Trouble wants to leave us damaged beyond repair.
Abraham had trouble waiting for the promised son, Joseph had trouble in Egypt, Moses had trouble with the rebellious Israelites, Joshua had trouble with the enemy, the Judges found oppression, and Daniel looked into the face of more than one lion. Job had his friends.
But God uses trouble to reveal Himself.
If there were no trouble then there would be no need for a Deliverer. He uses trouble to strengthen us and protect us from great harm. Trouble is a tool in His hand – a chisel to remove the hard places.
Trouble may have a long shadow, but God’s shadow is longer still.
Nothing is impossible for Him – the Overcomer.
The yielded heart knows this to be true and cries out for help.
The Deliver then comes in His unfailing love, approaching in power and strength. There is safety in the Stronghold.
The yielded heart leans in to her Savior, moves under His protective arms and breathes a breath of thankfulness.
Trouble comes, but my God reigns.
A yielded heart declares, “You, are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
The Living God responds, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.” (Psalm 32:8-10)
Do you hold in your hand a yielded heart? Can you hear the overcomers singing?
“All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.”
Jesus said, “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
