Comfort in Distress
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.”
2 Samuel 22:4–7
The Lord blessed David in so many ways, but that blessing did not mean that the shepherd boy who was anointed to be king over Israel had an easy life. David spent much of his life on fields of battle. There were many days when he did not know whether he would even survive until sundown. There were many nights where he slept in caves while hiding from those who wanted him dead. Throughout all of his dark days, David continued to trust in God. He knew that the hard times he endured did not mean that God had forsaken him. Others used David’s troubles to claim that God had abandoned him. “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah” (Psalm 3:2). Yet David’s faith remained steadfast.
God did not promise His children a painless and easy way through life. But every trial and every difficulty has a purpose as part of His plan. He does not always cause our troubles to disappear, but He always comforts those who flee to Him for help. And it is often the very things that bring us the most grief and turmoil that God is using to shape our lives. Charles Spurgeon said, “Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation.”
2 Samuel 22:4–7
The Lord blessed David in so many ways, but that blessing did not mean that the shepherd boy who was anointed to be king over Israel had an easy life. David spent much of his life on fields of battle. There were many days when he did not know whether he would even survive until sundown. There were many nights where he slept in caves while hiding from those who wanted him dead. Throughout all of his dark days, David continued to trust in God. He knew that the hard times he endured did not mean that God had forsaken him. Others used David’s troubles to claim that God had abandoned him. “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah” (Psalm 3:2). Yet David’s faith remained steadfast.
God did not promise His children a painless and easy way through life. But every trial and every difficulty has a purpose as part of His plan. He does not always cause our troubles to disappear, but He always comforts those who flee to Him for help. And it is often the very things that bring us the most grief and turmoil that God is using to shape our lives. Charles Spurgeon said, “Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation.”
Today’s Growth Principle:
Trust God just as much when you are struggling with difficulty as you do when you are rejoicing in peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment