The Lord Has Promised

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The Lord Has Promised

Sometimes,  from our point of view  here on earth,  we might get to wondering  if it’ll ever be worth it  to keep on struggling  to live according to  God’s ways.      Even Job  got to complaining  about the bitterness  of his continual troubles,  saying in Job 9:25,

Now my days  are swifter than a runner;
They flee away,  they see no good.
They slip by  like reed boats,
Like an eagle  that swoops on its prey.
Though I say,  ‘I will forget my complaint,
I will leave off my sad countenance  and be cheerful,’
I am afraid  of all my pains,
I know  that Thou wilt not acquit me.
I am accounted  wicked,
Why then  should I toil in vain?

Although Job was totally wrong  in his feelings  —  as God points out to him  later on  —  he was so tired  of all his sufferings,  and felt  like all his efforts  to live according to God’s ways  were a waste.      What’s the sense  of trying to be good,  if there is no benefit in it?      He felt that God  had spotted some insignificant sin  in him  and was refusing to forgive him.      But,  those were just  Job’s feelings.      Feelings  are not always aligned with truth,  as Job finds out  in the end.

In the New Testament book of James,  he writes  to encourage Christians  to joyfully face  whatever trials and tribulations  come our way.      James tells how  these  “tests of faith”  will strengthen us  to endure,  so that our faith  will be perfected.      In James 1:12, he says,

Blessed  is a man  who perseveres  under trial;  for once  he has been approved,  he will receive  the crown of life,  which  the Lord has promised  to those who love Him.

Jesus promised  the crown of eternal life  to all  who put their faith in Him.      And,  Jesus also said  that we would all  experience different kinds  of trials and tribulations.      Throughout the New Testament,  we are told  that we need  to overcome  all the enemy’s accusations  and temptations,  just as Jesus did.      As we trust in Jesus  to carry us through,  His power  will help us  to overcome  whatever we are facing.      As exercises build up muscles,  “a man who perseveres under trial”  builds up a true  and strong faith.

But,  even more than that,  those who persevere  are “blessed”.      To be so blessed  is to be eternally  happy  and at peace,  with joys  that cannot be expressed  here on earth.      This eternal  blessedness  is not something  to be questioned.       It is a for-sure promise  from the Lord God Almighty  —  who cannot lie.      It is a promise  from the Most Holy LORD.

Persevering under trials  —  staying true  to the truths of God  —  are more than worth the effort  and suffering.      Like Job,  a person under trials  can easily feel unforgiven  —  but  that is a temptation.      We are to continually look  to God our Savior  and entrust our whole salvation  to Him.      We cannot save ourselves.      It is Jesus  who desires to save us  and only Jesus,  who is able to save us.

For the joy set before us,  we say,  “Hallelujah!      Lord,  in love,  You endured so much  for our salvation.      Strengthen us  in every trial and tribulation  You allow  to come our way.      We know we are safe  in Your everlasting arms.”

Love,
Margaret

 

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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