Key Scripture: Psalm 34:19

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

Relevance

Buried deep within Psalm 34 is this glorious one-line symphony of hope, praise and reality. 

It begins with a stark truth and concludes with a majestic promise from our Lord, who has the greatest love for us above all.  

Our mighty God knows we get afflicted. He is aware we live in an adulterated world. But it is to this world He called us to shine our light—to bring spiritual and moral clarity to the many aspects of life. That alone brings trials.

He also knows we fight against our own humanity and strive to overcome the daily challenges that face us. He understands we are in a constant battle to draw our children, neighbours and workfellows into the Kingdom, often with tears. 

Furthermore, our Lord is acutely aware that Satan doesn't want our light to shine anywhere—in our communities, workplaces, families, or even within ourselves, and works at every turn to snuff it out. It is only by the Lord's deliverance—the one He promises in our key verse—that we are not consumed by the enemy. We are afflicted from within and without because we follow the real Saviour.

We are the people who know there is an afterlife and are assured of our salvation, and the beauty of where we are bound. That blessed assurance stirs up hatred. 

In that odd mix, we possess a certain strength because we follow our Saviour by choice! Following a Saviour with the assurance we have goes against the grain of society. That power enables us to hang on through the affliction to the rescue, and gives us the strength to praise God through it all.

Isaiah 59:1 delivers a beautiful verse, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 

The next time you feel afflicted, staying within that hand's reach ensures deliverance. Abide in Him and rejoice! He is there!

Prayer

Precious Father, praise you for your blessed promises we have come to heavily rely on. When we're under affliction, please help us look to you and not panic. Nobody is more reliable.

Photo by Dan Meyers