Some people get the erroneous idea that once one becomes a Christian, that it's all smooth sailing from there on in. Well, unfortunately, that's just not true. I wish it was!! But we still have to face obstacles and tests and trials. They challenge our faith, and try our patience, but we know that with God on our side, and the Lord and His Spirit at our side, we can make it. I am reminded of Paul's comments in 2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10,

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

There have been many great songs written on this very topic. "Peace In The Midst Of The Storm," and "I Can Still Feel The Touch Of His Hand" are but a couple. I just heard a new song that has ministered to me over and over again since I got it. It is "Strength In Time Of Trouble" on Harlan Burton's new project by the same name. (See my review of the project here.) The song, written by Ricky Atkinson, says,

"In time of sorrow, in time of defeat,
When no one can measure your grief,
You can turn to Jesus, He's waiting close by
In His arms you'll find relief

There is Strength in time of trouble
There is help in time of despair
Though the world rage with all it's sorrow,
You'll find comfort in His care"

One way or another, we're all going to face a trial. And as we go through that trial we have a choice to make. We can face it on our own and so easily become overwhelmed and dejected, and feel so lonely and abandoned. As the song goes on to say,

"And when you're walking through the deepest, darkest valley
And your friends are not to be found
You can turn to Jesus, He's waiting close by
He will take you to higher ground."

Or we can, like those three Hebrew boys in that fiery furnace, look for Jesus to come to our aide. Like David, we have to encourage ourselves in the Lord, and lean on, trust in, and rely on Him to walk us through it. We have to remind ourselves that He is there. We have to find Him when we can't feel Him.

So often, I've looked at the lives of people I admired, people who were just bold enough to do some outstanding things, and it seemed God always came through for them. Now, I have come to learn that there is something in the intensity of our cry out to Him. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that,

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

If you're just lying there, crying and wallowing in your own self-pity, He will let you do that. But if you take all of that energy, and cry out to Him, He will respond. He will respond with the same intensity of the cry. He always responds to a desperate cry of passion and hunger for Him. Look at how many Psalms David starts out by crying out to God, but they always end with a triumph of praise for deliverance!

So, we need to remind ourselves, regardless of the trouble, there is "Strength In Time Of Trouble!" He's right there with you, just waiting to help you. Cry out. He will respond. Because HE is that Strength in the time of trouble.

Blessings,

Bob

"Strength In Time Of Trouble"
©Ricky Atkinson
Ricky Atkinson Publishing/BMI

"Strength In Time Of Trouble"
Harlan Burton
©Gospel Heritage Records GHCD 10602

Bob Whitehead

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