Scripture Reading

Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Insight on the Word

If we live any length of time in this world, we will sooner or later face trouble. Even the godly face trouble: “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” 2 Timothy 3:12. The apostle Paul himself, who was one the greatest Christians, seemed to face trouble on almost a daily basis. So much so that he despaired of his life (2 Corinthians 1:8). Yet in the midst of trouble we are not to loose hope or allow depression and despair to conquer us: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Corinthians 4:8.

What is a person to do when trouble comes? First we should take comfort in God’s promise of deliverance. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19). We are to not place our trust in man but in God. “Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man” (Psalm 60:11). Stay in communion with God and pray more than ever. “Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses” (Psalm 107:19). If deliverance comes at once, great! But if trouble continues for a time, above all else we should remain faithful to God. “ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

After Jesus returns we will live in a perfect world free from trouble. But today is not that day. Hopefully not, but maybe today we will face trouble. If this is a day of trouble, do not despair or loose hope for God has promised: “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”

Speak the Word — In trouble I call upon God and He delivers me! (Psalm 91:15)

Daily Bible Reading — Deuteronomy 1 – 3