TRIUMPH OVER TRIALS

Ptr. Erwin Concepcion

October 12, 2019

 

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Psalm 34:19 (KJV)

 

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."

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Reflection:

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Many Christians have the erroneous belief that if they just try hard enough to be “good,” then they can escape the trials of life. But the Bible teaches us something completely different: our passage says that a righteous man may have many troubles (Psalm 34:19). However, we can find joy in the conclusion of this verse: “but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” No matter what we face in life, God will be there with us. Only God can turn our worst tragedies into victories.

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King David of the Old Testament faced more life-changing trials than many of us will know. His life was often at risk from enemies who sought to kill him. He paid great consequences for his moral and judgment errors. He was even betrayed by a rebellious son. Yet through his example, we see how David was able to use his suffering to bring glory to God.

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Read Psalm 3. During the time David wrote this, he was in hiding from his own son, Absalom, who was plotting to dethrone his father (see 2 Samuel 15). David had experienced a bitter betrayal by his own son and by some of his closest friends. His life was on the line. His heart was broken. He was struggling in his spirit as to why this was happening. David cries out, in Psalm 3:1 (KJV) “Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

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Have you ever been betrayed by people you loved and trusted? Sometimes the emotional and spiritual wounds made by another person can hurt far worse than any sword. One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to cause dissension in our families, in our relationships, and in our churches. When we maliciously speak against another person or stir up rebellion, we become an Absalom in the household of David.

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But sometimes these personal attacks on us can be used for a greater good. If you are experiencing a trial right now, ask God to show you how He wants you to use it. Are you being disciplined for a sin in your life? Confess and repent of that sin today. Is your trial an opportunity to share your personal testimony? What may seem like a dark valley may be the open door to sharing about Christ’s grace and provision in your life.

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The secret of David’s triumph was his trust in God: Psalm 3:3-4 (KJV) says “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.”

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There can be no triumph unless there is a trial. There can be no testimony unless there is a test. There can be no conquest unless there is a conflict. Many people want to be used mightily by God, yet they refuse to pay the cost. Are you willing to go through dark times so that God’s kingdom may grow?

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Prayer:

Lord, thank you that by your grace, even in my tough time of trials, you’re still with me. You strengthen me with your Word and uplift my spirit with your Spirit. Thank you that getting through difficult times, it will make me more wiser and stronger with my faith in you. I pray to you, in Jesus Name, Amen.