Facing Adversity

The Lord’s Care (Psalm 34:4-10)

The Bible Is the Foundation for Life

Today’s cares and challenges appear more complex than any faced by previous generations. The way through difficult times, however, never changes.  King David attests to that reality.

 

PSALM 34:4-10

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

An angel touched Elijah and said, “Arise and eat,” as in 1 Kings 19:1-8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.

The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

 

Seeking the Lord is imperative to successfully negotiating and emerging victoriously through any difficulty. David testifies of God’s divine protection saying, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (v. 7). The Bible provides numerous glimpses of the angelic protection surrounding every Believer in the unseen reality (2 Ki. 6:8-23).

A closer look at the text reveals profound truths.

  • Challenging circumstances in life are real. We have no choice but to face them. The wise, however, do not face them alone.  People of faith are in a unique position to actively seek the Lord’s help.
  • God is not limited to providing a defensive blockade around us. He is actively engaged on our behalf. God is able to effectively resolve the most intensely difficult situation for our good.

With an invitation to experience God’s goodness firsthand, David exclaims, “Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (34:8). This was David’s testimony. Unlike the young lion that depends solely on its own strength, stamina and speed to capture its next meal, those who seek the Lord are assured of His sufficient resources to meet every need (v. 10).

No matter what you’re facing, seek the Lord today and experience His deliverance from fear and provision for empowerment that He has promised to all who determine to put their trust in Him.

 

IMAGES:
1) The Bible Is the Foundation for Life. (Photo credit: Pixabay/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios)
2) An Angel Touched Him and Said Arise and Eat, as in 1 Kings 19:1-8 (Image used for illustrative purposes) (Photo credit: By Ferdinand Bol (1616–1680) [PD-US, PD-Art]/Wikimedia/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios)

Rev. Charles E. McCracken. Biblically Authentic - Standing with Israel.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken is known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth that is relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

 Copyright © 2016 Charles E. McCracken, devotional comments only. Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.