When Things Get Really Bad
Today’s Verse:
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. ~Psalm 140:12
Have you ever been in a situation when things were really bad, to the point where you were unsure of what the outcome would be and your confidence level was at zero? The trials in life come in different varieties and at different times. In Ps. 140, we learn how to pray and have faith in God when things are really bad.
We see the consternation.
“Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.” David wrote this psalm during the time Absalom usurped the kingdom from him. David felt human. He felt very weak, vulnerable, and extremely fearful. He was at a place where he did not trust his own decision making. David also felt horrible. He described everyone who had taken sides with Absalom as being evil, wicked, and violent. He was in anguish for his safety and experienced many sleepless nights. David also felt hatred. His praying was imprecatory. David knew he was in a really bad situation!
We see the confiding.
This was a prayer of David. David bared his heart to God, telling Him that only He could get him out of this situation. “I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.” He acknowledged God as powerful and sovereign. He accepted his situation and called upon God to help him as in times past. He asked God to turn the mischief of the wicked back on them. Real praying is when we pour out our hearts to God. Real praying is when we cling to God as our only hope. Real praying is letting go of our fears and letting God bring us through.
We see the consolation.
“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.” After pouring out his heart to God, David started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He said, “I know.” His faith blossomed into complete confidence. He could see God’s purpose being accomplished in his hour of trial. He knew God was taking care of him. He knew God was in control. He knew God was giving him consolation. He was broken, but he believed! He was grieving, but he had God! He still had his enemies, but he was enabled! He was still wandering, but God was working! He was comforted that God had his best interests at heart.
When things get really bad, it is then that we discover God is personal and powerful for us. If things are really bad, have faith in God. Turn your pouting into praying. Turn your fretting into faith. Let your troubles turn into triumph.
Have a confident God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 64-66