"Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my
oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false
witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still
confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of
the living." (Ps 27:11-13 NIV)
Are you in the middle of trouble?
We are often surrounded by strife, problems and other nightmarish
scenarios that are nothing if they aren't oppressive. Hope is fleeting,
and only gloom seems to lurk on the horizon, to the point that even
death begins to look attractive. Will it ever ease up?
Water can
face extreme adversity as well. How would we like to be tortured in
superheated magma chambers? This is truly extreme adversity! As the
water percolates through the ground near an active volcano, it
eventually reaches the magma chamber of that volcano. There it is
quickly heated up in temperatures none of us would even think of
surviving!
However, the heat in this extreme adversity causes the
water to rise up to the surface, faster than ever before, where it is
graced by the presence of the sun. Its encounter with adversity has
changed it. It is now brightly coloured, and can have diverse growth of
algae.
When we face adversity, just like that water in extreme
conditions, we too will have the opportunity to either be drawn closer
to the Son of God and find relief in His arms, or to stubbornly insist
that we are the most miserable people of the world.
Adversity
compels us to rely on the One who will come through for us. Didn't he
promise: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have
peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)
We can peacefully enjoy the
Son even amidst adversity!
King David experienced this amidst his
own adverse circumstances. His own people, even his own son, wanted him
dead. Unlike many of us however, David never gave up hope. He knew the
extreme heat of his circumstances would draw Him closer to the One who
mattered the most in his life. He was completely confident that his
tribulations were just temporary, and that through them, he would
experience God.
Maybe this is why God said the following about
him: "I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart . . ."
(Acts 13:22 NIV)
It may sure be hot here in the middle of our
dire circumstances, but the good news is, there is only one way up!
Rob Chaffart
When Water Bubbles. Devotions from the Psalms (27:11-13)
Today's Bible Verse:
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living." (Ps 27:13)
When Water Bubbles. Devotions from the Psalms (27:11-13)
Announcement:
Do you have a Bible question you would like to see answered? Why not submit it to us. We have dedicated volunteers who would gladly take the time to find your answers.
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.