Conclusion
• 2 min. read • grade level: 7
This verse reminds us that just because we are saved, and just because we seek to please the Lord and live for His glory does not mean that we are immune to all the things that affect this world of sin and sorrow. We pass through and face all that the ungodly face, but with a completely different perspective, Christ as our object and heaven at the end. We have the same temptations, trials, and tests. However, we have a God who is faithful, and who provides all that is needed for whatever we face. “For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:1414For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. (Psalm 103:14)). We can turn to Him, anytime, anywhere, and in any situation, knowing that He loves and cares, and is more than able to bring us through for His glory and our blessing. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:1919Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)).
When we come face-to-face with impossibilities and situations totally beyond our control and ability to handle, that is when we learn to lean on Him. When you see armies of problems marching toward you turn it all over to the one who says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness....Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God” (Isaiah 41:10; 43:1-310Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
1But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. (Isaiah 43:1‑3)).
When our appreciation of these things is expanded and deepened, and we have learned that “Christ is everything, and in all” (Colossians 3:1111Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11) JND Translation). Then too is the heart’s affection for Christ deepened and enlarged as well. Then we can say with genuine conviction, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted” (Psalm 119:7171It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (Psalm 119:71)).