07022022 In Times of Trouble

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the Omnipresent God. He is the one who never leaves us, even in the worst of times.

While some of God's blessing is manifested as desirable life circumstances, the majority of His blessings are more habitual and lifelong, more spiritual than physical. For most of this study I have focused primarily on divine blessings that are independent of circumstances. This tenth category of blessing, however, has everything to do with circumstances, but in an unexpected way. These are blessings that God gives particularly in circumstances that are difficult. The life situation does not look like blessing, but God blesses precisely because the life situation is hard. This is interesting, because the difficult times of life are when we might argue that God is not blessing, when in fact those times are the avenue for Him to pour out His blessing.

This blessing related to trouble extends through the entire process. Before the trouble ever comes, God prepares us for its advent. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” (Psalm 144:1). Not only does God prepare us ahead of time, but He also prepares a place of protection ahead of time. “My goodness, and my fortress; high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust” (Psalm 144:2). These things do not miraculously appear after trouble comes; they have already been available and ready.

When the trial arrives, God’s blessing continues in many ways. God is the refuge that is needed. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:12). “The LORD is his refuge” (Psalm 14:6). “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).

During the trial, God is a supportive ally. He knows every detail of the overwhelming situation. “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path” (Psalm 142:3). God is very present during the trial. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God supports His children. “Thou maintainest my lot” (Psalm 16:5). “The LORD lifteth up the meek” (Psalm 147:6).

During the trial, God listens. And answers. “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears” (Psalm 18:6). “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble” (Psalm 91:15).

There are numerous ways of describing the support that God provides in a trial. He sustains the one who is suffering. “The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing” (Psalm 41:3). God hides the one who is hunted by trouble. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me” (Psalm 27:5). God revives those who are oppressed by the trouble. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me” (Psalm 138:7).

God’s blessing is shown at the end of the trial. God rescues with His salvation. “I will deliver him” (Psalm 91:15). “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD; thy blessing is upon thy people” (Psalm 3:8). God gives relief after the time of difficulty. “That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity” (Psalm 94:13). God quiets the storm. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still” (Psalm 107:29). God provides new life and refreshment to replace what has been oppressive. “He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings” (Psalm 107:35).

God’s blessing even extends beyond the trial, giving lasting benefit. In Psalm 66, the psalmist describes a very difficult, multi-faceted time of extraordinary oppression. He speaks of being refined like silver, of being caught in a net, of buckling under an oppressive burden, of men riding over his head, of passing through flaming fire and through floods of water. Then he tells what happened afterward. “But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place” (Psalm 66:12). This “after” blessing was rich and impactful for some time.

From before the trouble until after it, and everywhere in between, God provides blessing particularly intended for His children who are struggling. This blessing is poignantly contrasted with what happens to the wicked in the same setting. They cry out for help, but God does not answer or help them. “They [enemies] cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not” (Psalm 18:41). Instead of being rescued, these people are brought to ruin. “He casteth the wicked down to the ground” (Psalm 147:6).

What a comfort it is to realize in the midst of trouble that God has not removed His hand of blessing. Rather, He is blessing perhaps in more ways than ever before, as He lovingly protects His children, carries them through the distress, and brings them out in abundance.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA