“…Yet Trouble Came.”

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations (trials).”  James 1:2

Dear Ones:

The perspective of the Christian, or true believer in Christ, is so very different than that of the unbeliever when various “trials,” difficulties or suffering comes.  In the case of Job, it seems that he had done everything “right.”  Scripture declares of him:  “…that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and shunned evil.” (Job 1:1)  And yet, his “righteousness” did not spare him from suffering loss, physical suffering, and aloneness.  He would write:  “I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; YET TROUBLE CAME.”  How do we reconcile the suffering of the believer to the concept of God prospering us in our ways? (Ps. 1:3, Joshua 1:8)  The answer lies embedded in the wisdom and knowledge of God.  Though Job, nor we, can trace the hand of God in His dealings with Job, we can trace His heart…for He ALWAYS has two things in mind.  The first is that we might truly KNOW Him, not just know about Him.  It is often in the moment of suffering and loss that our feet touch the solid rock of His presence and grace, regardless of the turmoil and uncertainty of the circumstances.  Secondly, He is ALWAYS looking down the corridor of time into eternity…concerning that which will truly count for eternity, that which will last.  The only way that this will be realized is by Him, the Lord Jesus, truly meeting us in our hour and time of need.  When fellowship with Him is real, solid, and profoundly meaningful, we can be certain that His had IS upon us, that He has not forsaken us, and that He WILL bring us through.  The testimony of the grace and mercy of God towards Job serves to not only remind us that God is sovereign, but that He is will not let us go, but bring about His blessed purposes for His glory, and our highest good.

In this sinful world, none of us are spared contact with its suffering, nor with the effects of our enemies workings.  Even David was acutely aware of this when he wrote in Psalm 23:4, “…Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear NO evil: for THOU ART WITH ME; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”  David is being very objective and honest here, both with regard to “death” as an enemy.  But with equal, if not a more triumphant proclamation, he declares:  “You are with me.”  What greater consolation than to KNOW the presence of God, our Maker and Redeemer, the One who has SET His love upon us, and who will NEVER let us go, nor deliver us over to our enemies.  David’s triumphant words in Psalm 16:11 confirm this:  “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Dear Father, give us grace never to fear suffering, or facing and doing the difficult thing.  Give us to understand that we are not to be surprised at difficulties, trials, even what Peter declares to be “fiery trials.”  Only give us grace to put our foot resolutely down upon the rock of Thy presence, finding there the solace, comfort, and strength for our souls, that we may truly honor and glorify Thee in that moment, that time, and until we meet Thee.  We praise Thee for Your constant presence and sufficiency by the Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad