Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?–Psalm 10:1

We all have troubles and there are times when we feel all alone– sometimes we feel that even God is gone! That’s why it’s important that we consider the facts rather than consult our feelings. An old publication called “Daily Devotional Commentary” reminds us of the facts regarding this matter:

God is “a very present help in trouble.” But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, the unmeasurable gains of tribulation.

We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it. It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible. Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth. It is dark–the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched. Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him. Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own. Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel as when under the open heaven!

What though the path be all unknown?
What though the way be drear?
Its shades I traverse not alone
When steps of Thine are near.

The Bible describes the church as the Bride of Christ. That should get our attention. Knowing that God has so designated it should make a big difference in the way we view it. I don’t know any real man who would intentionally abuse his wife, or any woman, nor sit back and allow others to do so. Nor do I believe for a second that Christ ignores our mistreatment of His Bride– the church. You hurt my wife and you hurt me–and I’m liable to hurt you. You hurt the Lord’s church and He will hurt you. Paul made it clear to the Corinthians that some had died prematurely because of their attitude toward the church. Yeah–whether you believe it or not He is that kind of God!

The church is the only institution on earth established by Christ and the only one authorized by Him to carry out His commission. She has been bought by His blood and belongs to Him. She is indwelt by His Spirit, loved by the Father, and precious in His sight. Mistreat her and you have mistreated Him, offended the Father, grieved the Holy Spirit, and endangered yourself. Yet, sadly many people ignore her, neglect her, criticize her, and abuse her. Do you really think that this escapes His attention or that they will escape His vengeance?

Here’s something you might need to consider. Perhaps the most common way in which people disrespect the Bride of Christ is to treat her as though she isn’t needed– not important enough to get their attention, respect or support. That wouldn’t be you would it? Remember this–You cannot be in fellowship with Christ if you have no desire to fellowship with His church. Think about it!

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.–James 1:2-4

Every student of history should recognize the name Julius Caesar. Caesar was a military mastermind in the early century who conquered Gaul (modern day France) and even invaded Britain. Throughout Caesar’s many military advancements, he was known for his non-conventional methods of inspiring his soldiers. As his army crossed over into a new land, he led them onto a cliff overlooking the shores they had just come to. His soldiers were shocked to see their ships on fire. Caesar then told them that with no possible form of retreat, they were committed to the task of conquering the land, which is what they did.

Someone once said, “Commitment in the face of conflict creates character.” The weak and retreating soldiers do not win the battle, but those committed to fighting, like Caesar’s soldiers, gain the victory. Conflict proves who is committed to victory and who is simply along for the ride.

In our Christian battle, these truths can be seen as well. Those Christian soldiers committed to standing strong in the face of difficulties will win the battle, but those who run from the fight will see no victory.— difficulties will come— battles will be tough, yet God desires that we would endure the fight as good soldiers of the Cross. James puts it this way: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Patience and commitment through battles produces experiences that can later be used in the lives of others. Have you ever witnessed someone enduring a trial that you have already endured? Isn’t it nice to be able to help comfort them, and share with them your past victory? Only as we are faithful during our trials can we then use them later to help others.

Are you committed to fighting the battle you face? I don’t know what battle you are enduring or will endure, but victory will only come as you are committed to standing strong in the Lord and fighting.—You may not be facing a battle or trial right now, but one will soon come. Take time now, before the fight, to build up your faith and strength in the Lord. Spend time with Him each day. Make God a priority in your everyday life. Commit to standing firm in His strength even when the battle rages around you. Remember, commitment in the face of conflict creates character

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.–Proverbs 17:1

There is an old parable about a king who had fallen ill. The doctors could not cure his disease, but one of them told him that if he put on the clothing of a truly contented man, he would be healed. The king immediately dispatched his servants throughout the land to seek a contented man so that he could be cured. One by one they went out and returned without success. Finally the last servant returned, and he also was empty-handed.

“Could you not find a single contented man in my kingdom?” the monarch asked.” “We found only one, Sire,” the servant replied. “Then where is his shirt? I must have that to be cured.” “The contented man we found was so poor that he had no shirt,” the answer came.

Often we fall prey to the trap of thinking that if we just had a little bit more than we already have, we would then be happy. Satan has been using this lie effectively throughout all of human history. Yet getting more never works because getting more things creates still more obligations and appetites rather than producing satisfaction. As Solomon pointed out, “When goods increase, they are increased that eat them” (Ecclesiastes 5:11).

Instead of looking for more and better things, we should be thankful to God for what we already do have. The Hebrew word for “morsel” in Proverbs 17:1 literally means a crumb or a tiny piece. Gratitude does not come from the size and scope of our blessings, though we indeed have received so much. Rather gratitude comes when we realize that every good thing we have is a gift from God and is a result of His grace rather than our merit. Such thinking produces great benefits for our lives. First Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”—When are happy with what have, even a little is enough to produce contentment.(Dr. Paul Chappell)

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.–Proverbs 6:6
An old publication called,”The Kings Business” told the story of the Turkish ruler Tammerlane who used to relate to his friends an anecdote of his early life. “I once,” he said, “was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a ruined building, where I sat alone many hours. Desiring to divert my mind from my hopeless condition, I fixed my eyes on an ant that was carrying a grain of corn larger than itself up a high wall. I numbered the efforts it made to accomplish this object. The grain fell sixty-nine times to the ground; but the insect persevered, and the seventieth time it reached the top. This sight gave me courage at the moment, and I never forgot the lesson.

Rubenstein, the great musician, once said, “If I omit practice one day, I notice it; if two days, my friends notice it; if three days, the public notice it.” It is the old doctrine, “Practice makes perfect.” We must continue believing, continue praying, continue doing His will. Suppose along any line of art, one should cease practicing, we know what the result would be. If we would only use the same quality of common sense in our religion that we use in our everyday life, we should go on to perfection.

The motto of David Livingstone was in these words, “I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and achieved my purpose.” By unfaltering persistence and faith in God he conquered.