Psalm 138:7-8

A trouble-free life—what is that? We are told of the difficulties we will face in this life, and yet we are still taken aback when we encounter challenges of different sorts. Why is it harder sometimes to do good than to do bad? Because the tide of the world is against God. When we take a stand for God, it sets us at odds with the forces of this world. Understanding this helps life make more sense, and we are then able to view difficulties not with a “woe is me” attitude, but rather as opportunities for God to shine through us. There is no testimony without a test. Challenges are meant to be overcome, and when we do—by the grace of God—we have a story to tell.

This psalm was written by King David—talk about a story to tell; how about stories! For a man after God’s own heart, he certainly was not exempt from his share of difficulties. David wrote 73 psalms for sure, and possibly two others. Some are filled with prayers for deliverance, with a complaint here or there just to keep it real, while others are filled with praise for having been delivered and with repentance for having complained. They give us a glimpse into the window of his soul and provide great encouragement and relatability, along with promises for provision and protection. God always came through for him, and He will always come through for us. In David’s own words:

“Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.37.25.NLT

We must not forget the words of Jesus:

“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 ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.16.33.NLT

Take heart—or in common vernacular, get a grip! We are still here. We have a 100% survival record thus far, and whatever challenges we are facing, God will guide us through and bring us safely home one day. Remember, this is not our home. This world is just a place for passing through, but let’s make the most of it and allow the light of Jesus to shine through us so others can experience peace during the storms of life. God never fails, and He will not fail us. Sometimes we just need to develop endurance, as James states:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.2-4.NLT

And like David, we can say:

“The Lord will work out His plans for my life—for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.”

Amen!