God promises His children protection and provision. Our God is a loving, heavenly Father. He is aware of how we are wired because He created us. God sees each need, each struggle, and He is ready to meet them.
Lately I have been reading out of the book of Psalms. I love that particular book of the Bible because it reminds me that the rawness of my heart is not specific to me. God desires transparency from us. David’s emotions and struggles were exactly that. Transparent. My cries to God have often mirrored his, and I find great comfort in that. The continual message of this book is: I am not alone, and God, the provider of all my needs is always with me.
When I am struggling with knowing what to do, or which direction to go, I come across a verse like this: “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) God will guide me. God will watch over me. I do not have to fear the decision. When I seek God, He will lead me, and where He leads me will be the best pathway.
When I am struggling with fear, or surrounded by trouble: “I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. “ (Psalm 34:4-7) God is able to free me from all my fears, not just some of them. I am freed from them because I know that God listens, and God saves. God is not limited to saving me from some of my troubles, He saves me from all my troubles. In fact, He finds me of such great value, and loves me so much, that He places an angel to guard me. God’s very presence will surround me and defend me, because I love Him, trust Him, and depend on Him.
When I cannot provide what I need, I know that my God will. He is the great provider: “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the LORD, and His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10) God invites us to give Him a try – taste and see. When we do, we will find that all our needs are met in Him. In Him, we will lack nothing.
God hears me, whenever I call to him: “The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17) God hears me each time I call to help. When I find myself in times of trouble He can be tested to come and save me.
When I need comfort, and my life is turned on end: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18) This life comes with hurts. There are times when my heart is breaking and feels absolutely overwhelmed with grief. God remains close. In fact, many times it is then that I feel God more closely than any other. He is near. He is holding me. He comforts me in His embrace. My spirit may be crushed, but I know that my God will lift my spirit with His presence, His hope, and His peace.
God followers are not given a life free of pain. Free of problems. Free of troubles. We aren’t. What we are given is the help and strength to make it through these times because of the committed love of our faithful Father. “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.” (Psalm 34:19) Each time.
Friend, “God’s word holds true, and we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4)
Blessings!