Afflicted and in Pain
Posted By Joe on November 4, 2009
It's been a tough week and it's only Wednesday.
My wife and I have both spent some time this week in our local "governmental offices" and neither of us have enjoyed the experience. Quite to the contrary, we both have walked out in tears.
But I have to say that I know that God is allowing me to experience all of these trials and tribulations for a reason. It hit me today like a ton of bricks that unless you go through times such as these, what good is your faith? How can you really understand what someone is going through unless you have experienced it yourself?
As I was pulling out of the parking lot of said governmental office, I had this Joel Osteen sermon in my head. The thing is, I am living a barely "getting-by life" and in Osteen's economy, I'm not living in "total victory."
But you know what? God is going to get the victory! God is going to get the glory! My God is on the throne and He is my King! If I'm struggling right now, that's part of His plan.
To Joel Osteen: it's not about you and I! It's all about Jesus!
I turned to Psalms. If you want to hear from people struggling with tough times, turn to Psalms!
But I am afflicted and in pain; may your salvation, O God, set me securely on high. I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving. And it will please the Lord better than an ox or a young bull with horns and hoofs. --Psalm 69:29-31.
The psalmist is speaking about the animal sacrifices and offerings the people of Israel were making to God. God would rather have our praise and thanksgiving more than empty sacrifices.
Jesus Himself spoke of this in Matthew:
"But go and learn what this means: ' I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." --Matthew 9:13.
Jesus was quoting from the Old Testament book of Hosea 6:6.
Back to Psalms:
The humble have seen it and are glad; you who seek God, let your heart revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners. --Psalm 69:32-33.
The Lord hears the needy. How needy we have become! How I needed to hear this Psalm today! My heart is revived when I seek God in His Word.
God will have the total victory! To God Almighty be the glory forevermore!
May He Increase!
About the author
Hey Joe.....Praise the Lord....we ain't living "OUR BEST LIFE NOW"!!!!!!
Ike, thanks much for your visit and email. I think of you and Carol often when I hear about living in "total victory." I pray you both are hanging in there.