Triumph Over Trouble
Today’s Verse:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. ~Psalm 138:7
Ps. 138 may have been written by David when he was running from Absalom. He was experiencing a very dark time in his life where he wept, cried, and felt uncertain about many things. In this psalm, David shares his experience and gives God the praise for helping him. We must remember that trouble can be a gift from God. Let us see this morning what to expect from God when we have trouble.
We see the undertow in trouble.
An undertow is a strong moving of the ocean current that is beneath the surface. The water on the surface might appear safe, but a strong undertow is extremely dangerous and can pull even the most experienced swimmer far from shore and to his doom. Many times, we cannot see the unfolding in trouble and, like a strong ocean undertow, it can pull us so far out from safety. David said he was walking in the midst of trouble. When we are at that same place in life, each step feels perilous. We are uncertain if we are on the right path. We feel like running away is the solution. We are scared and overwhelmed, and feel like we are slipping away. Trouble can rob us of our peace of mind and our ability to focus, and can distract us from our true purpose in life. Are you experiencing trouble that is pulling you away?
We see the undergirding in trouble.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Trouble was pulling David away, but not so far away that God could not reach him. David learned something about trouble that is a valuable lesson for us. Even though we walk in the midst of trouble, God revives us! He stretches out His hand against our enemies, and with His right hand He saves us. He learned that trouble is a means for spiritual revival. He learned that it increased his faith in God. He learned that he could trust God for each step he took, even though the surroundings appeared dark. He found respite in the Lord and not in tranquilizers. He found spiritual quickening when he was at the lowest point of his life. Whatever your trouble might be, God will revive you as well. He will give you strength, insight, wisdom, and hope.
We see the undertaking in trouble.
“The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands,” vs. 8. David saw God’s grand design and purpose for his life. He saw that God would perfect him, or make all things work together for good, because he loved God. He realized that God was making a better Christian out of him through this trouble. He became stronger in praying. He became more keenly sharp in his Bible study. He was inspiring his soldiers and followers to learn how to wait on God and trust Him for each step of the way. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” Phil. 1:6. God is working His wonderful grace in our life when trouble is pulling us away.
There is triumph in trouble! God is good, whether we have trouble or no trouble. God is faithful, whether the way is clear or not so clear. God loves us always and has our best interest at heart. Like David, let us praise Him with the whole heart for the strength He places in our soul (vs. 3).
Have a triumphant God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 36-41