No ones like to be in this kind of trouble These encounters, however, should cause us to humble ourselves, to reflect on them, and not to put the blame on others or our surroundings. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). When the light of God shines in our hearts, it will lead us to see our iniquities. We should then correct these faults. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.’ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs od deliverance” (Psalms 32:5-7). When we are willing to turn from and repent of our transgressions, God will show mercy on us and protect us so that we are freed from our troubles. This process of suffering could pass away quickly, or it could be long one. This is the time when we continue to depend on God. He will rescue us at the most appropriate time. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). When troubles come on us, they do not imply that we have done anything wrong.
It could even be a result of doing something right. For example, Christians were persecuted because they preached the gospel or refused to be part of those who do wrong, or they could be ostracised for not cutting corners on their work. In such situations, troubles happen so that the works of God might be displayed in him (John 9:3). These troubles also train our faith. “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything” (James 1:2-4).
When one is in the midst of suffering, they would want to escape the dark times as quickly as possible. Not only should we examine ourselves to see if we had done wrong and correct the situation in a practical way, but we should also depend on God even more in difficult times because salvation comes only from God. David, a great man in the Bible, was hunted down by the first king of Israel before he (David) became king for a period of perhaps more than 10 years. David got into trouble due to Saul’s jealousy. There were times when David could have killed Saul. Due, however, to his fear for God, and knowing well that Saul was annointed by God, he chose not to he chose not to get himself out of this trouble through sinful human ways. Instead, David waited for God to rescue him. The time he spent waiting was not an easy feat. We could see the agony during this period in David’s Psalms. He did not, however, give up on God. David wrote in Psalm 57:1-3:
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
For in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
Until the disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High,
To God, who vindicates me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
Rebuking those who hotly pursue me –
God sends forth his love
And his faithfulness.
Our God is like a mother hen who protects his little chicks under his wings. Indeed, sufferings brings many disasters, but with God’s protection, we can emerge unscathed. David held on to God’s promise during his sufferings. He depended on His mercy and faithfulness. He set his eyes on the God’s glory. “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalms 57:11). When we take refuge under the wings of the Most High, we should not be frightened.
translated by Elaine Chew