"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
Psalm 34:19

Two truths stand out in today's scripture that call for mature understanding:

1) righteous people suffer many afflictions and
2) God delivers him or her out of them all.

We would like to see it teach the reverse: that evil persons suffer much and are not rescued by the Lord. While the latter is true in the long run, with those who reject the Savior lost forever, our living Father uses all kinds of afflictions to test, teach and train His children to trust Him. These are no smooth paths devoid of pain for those who follow Jesus. He walked the way of the cross and so shall we if we are to be conformed to His likeness.

"But", you say, "at least I shall be delivered from them all." While that is true, the Lord does not have to tell us how He will deliver us or when. Perhaps deliverance will be immediate in a physical, mental or spiritual healing. Sometimes it will be nothing less than a miracle. Or the "deliverance" may be final -- where no more afflictions can follow the death of His saint and his/her graduation to glory. Either way, whether in or out of the body, God always delivers the righteous.

You and I will suffer many afflictions, dear friend. Though the Lord may not send them, He will allow them, not to destroy our faith but to develop it. But the same Lord who allows temporary afflictions will also take delight in personally delivering us from every one of them.

My Prayer:

"I thank you for allowing afflictions to come to my life, Father, both to draw me back when I stray and to refine me when I walk in Your way. I trust you, Lord."

 

This devotional comes from Frank Eiklor’s one-year devotional book “Experiencing God’s Extravagance!” You may contribute and receive the book; click here for more information!