Psalm 138-12.19.22
Scripture
Psalms 138:7 NLT
“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.”
Observation-What does it say?
This is a psalm of David. David is writing this psalm in the midst of the trials he is facing. In this psalm, David still gives his praise and honor to God for God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, unfailing love, protection, and God’s willingness to hear and answer his prayers. David knows of God’s goodness and greatness. He has witnessed God’s amazing power firsthand. He knows that soon all the kings of the world will give God the praise and thanks He deserves because the glory of God is great.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Just because we are Christians, doesn’t mean we are exempt from life’s troubles.
Whether I am reading the Bible about David, or more recently, reading about Job; one thing is for sure, life is filled with trials and troubles. Just because we choose to follow God and live godly lives doesn’t mean our lives are going to be peachy clean from that moment on. On the contrary, the Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust-(Matt. 5:45). Meaning, that troubles are going to hit everyone in life. Jesus actually warns his followers that troubles will surely come to them:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33
God did not remove life’s troubles from Job or David. God may not even remove some of life’s troubles we are facing. But does that mean God isn’t with us, or that He isn’t listening to our prayers? Absolutely not! You see, there will be times when we cry out to God and He delivers us from trouble. But more often than not, God will allow us to go through those trials and troubles. It isn’t because He has abandoned us. In actuality, God is right there, standing alongside with us, giving us the faith, strength, and courage to endure through it. It kind of reminds me of taking my kids to the doctor or dentist. Sure they don’t want to go and go through with it. But as their father I know that it will be good for them. It will help them in the long run. What more of our Heavenly Father who is perfect? He sees our hurts. He knows our concerns. Even though He may not take them away from us, He is standing there with us, holding our hands every step of the way. He is refining us, molding us into the people He has called us to be. So are you facing life’s troubles today? Take heart! Know that God is with you. Know that He took on human form in Jesus, and went through everything we are going through and more! Know that Jesus overcame it, and so can you!
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”-Romans 5:3-4
Life Application
Courage under fire.
There is a saying that you could really see a person’s true character when life’s struggles and troubles come their way. What more for a Christian? They already have all eyes on them. They have other people watching and waiting to see how they respond when certain situations start coming their way. They have people who are just waiting to pounce on them the moment they slip, just to say, “Ah Ha! You hypocrite!” Let’s not give them that chance. Let them see our faith. Let them see our love. Let our actions speak to them in a way that points them to Jesus. May they see the strength and confidence we have in our God no matter what life throws at us.
-Moses Gaddi