Suffering, deliverance !

Thursday 10 June 2021

Suffering, deliverance !

Psalms 34.20 - The righteous must go through much suffering but the Lord always delivers him (Sower).

This statement by David goes against the optics of an easy gospel that is unfortunately too often preached ! Pleasing God is a narrow and difficult path which requires renunciation, perseverance and which causes a great deal of suffering.

In our society, pleasing God makes us swim against the tide more and more. Loving the truth when there are so many lies, loving honesty when there is so much deception, facing hatred, rejection, jealousy, envy and wickedness without letting bitterness set in. settling into our hearts requires continuous effort. Self-sacrificing efforts to love through thick and thin, returning good for evil, speaking kindly in the face of injustice, indifference and anger.

But the Word of God does not leave us "orphans" in the face of this surge. She promises us that God will always deliver us ! Verse 19 also tells us : “For the Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted. He saves those who have a downcast spirit”. Yes the Lord will always deliver us, we can place our trust in Him, He will never fail.

My beloveds, I might shock you, but there is no point in our human nature in following in our Lord's footsteps. Why do it then you will tell me ? Because we are head over heels in love with Him ! Just one of his looks, one touch, one word from his mouth and we are beaming with joy. Why do it ? Because I do not want to sadden him ! I want Him to be proud of me, to approve of me in my conduct, to rejoice in my love for Him, even though this love is poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5.5).

Love my beloveds, love ! When we are in love with the Lord and are filled with His love, then it becomes possible to endure everything (1 Corinthians 13: 7) !

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)