“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. 8The LORD will work out his plans for my life—or your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:7-8 NLT

What a great promise is contained in this verse. The Scripture reassures us that God will work out His plan for our lives no matter what we are going through. Have you ever felt like God abandoned you? Have you ever asked the question, “Why me?” There are times of trouble continually in this life, but God is not disturbed by them! Oh that we would know the rest that He has provided for us. The Apostle Paul wrote about these moments of trail in our lives.

“Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. 3And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].” Romans 5:2-4 AMP

Now let’s look at what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. First is that we now have access by faith to this remarkable state of grace in which we find safety and security! That fact results in our being confident of experiencing and enjoying this life through the manifestation of His excellence and power. Who has more power than the King of Kings? Now it goes on to say that even when we go through the trials of this life, God will use it to help develop our faith and character! Look again at verses 3-4. The result of these are patient endurance, proven character, hope, and confidence. 

Notice that our writer today acknowledges the greatness and ability of God but at the very end of verse 4 makes an interesting statement. “…Don’t abandon me, for you made me” Sound familiar? We all have moments of doubt and questioning. That’s ok because we learn by experience…or do we? One of the most comforting verses I know is in the book of Hebrews.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing’s we do, yet he did not sin. 16So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT

Can I get an AMEN! He is not unknowing of the fear, apprehension, tension, and doubt that we experience, He experienced them all yet without sin. The verse goes on to say that because He knows, we can come boldly into the throne room in our time of need. When we are experiencing those moments of doubt and fear we will not get a lecture about being weak in faith, that is the exact moment He wants us to come before the throne and find our rest!

Let me encourage you today to enter the throne room of grace anytime you need. Christ died so that the relationship that was broken in the garden can now be experienced here on this side of heaven. When you are having those moments take heart, you are not alone and His power is greater than your weakness! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken