Have you ever found yourself wondering why you seem to be surrounded by trial and suffering? You love God and you’re making a consistent effort to be more like Him, but the trials keep pouring in. Jesus tells us that God loves us in John 3:16 but we often have our doubts because of the problems we face. King David reminds us that when God forgives us we receive a clean slate. Psalm 103 :12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” So why? Why can’t I seem to stay out of trouble? If I am loved and forgiven, why all this trouble? Let me share a psalm of David with you.
Psalm 9:15-20 says, “The nations have sunk in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid has their own foot been caught. The LORD has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men!”
Everybody struggles. Notice how David speaks of the nation completely falling apart. Other nations were winning against them. His enemies seem to winning against him. However, by the end of the psalm we can see that He knows God is in control! We may face anguish and sorrow, but we have to remember that God is with us.
If you have surrendered all to God but still have trouble it’s probably because Satan, our great accuser, is taking some pokes at you. One of his favorite tactics is to bring up your past sins and failures. He loves to create doubt and discouragement in the minds of God’s children. Actually, and sadly I might add, he can influence us in a religious tone of voice: “Remember when you (fill in the blank). . . . . God hasn’t forgotten. Now He’s getting you back!” We often have those thoughts of inadequacy and we want to throw in the towel.
Kind David dealt this this same struggle. In Psalm 25:6-7 he says, “Remember, Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” Did you see that? He is still worried about his past failures.
Satan has a field day bringing up your past mistakes as “evidence” that you are not totally forgiven. He tries to convince you that you’re a second-class Christian. He wants you to convince yourself that you are not saved, you are unworthy of being used by God in any significant way, and that your trials are a result of God’s chastening and punishment for your past sins. Yes, none of us are worthy of God's grace (Romans 3:23) and we need to continually guard our hearts against pride. However, we cannot believe that our God is behind our trials! God's awesome power gives me every hope that He can wipe them away at a moment’s notice.
So then, who? Why? The answer is Satan. And his reasoning is because he wants you to give up on living your Christian life. Take an active stance against your enemy and don’t let him win a single battle. Look upward instead of inward! Fill your heart with peace and know that God wants you to mature and learn from these trials. How can you use them to glorify Him? Have a great week!!!
You are loved.
Dr. Ray Reynolds