The Scriptures tell us in Acts 4:22 that it is “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” It is an attempt to circumvent this truth that causes the despair of many. Modern science has become the panacea for all suffering. Many have a superficial level of the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Not having a solid foundation in God’s Word, any relief of suffering will be sought out in the realm of modern science.
Ralph Wood, in his book, The Christ Haunted South, writes about this phenomenon; “Just as Hawthorne Alymen thought he could eradicate his wife’s birthmark with a chemical procedure, so does our culture seek to cure every evil, whether mental or physical with an appropriate therapy. The avoidance of suffering becomes the single criterion, therefore, for determining the good and pain becomes the chief measure of evil.”
What is happening to the saints of God who are floundering in the slough of despondency? Is it not; “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” ?Hosea 4:6 Is it not that they have left their trust in God? Was this not the indictment of the people of God that Jeremiah brought to the Israelites? “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, they have gone far from Me, have followed idols and have become ‘idolators’?” Jeremiah 2:5
What does God require of us? Is it not to trust Him in fair or stormy weather?“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge to us.” Psalm 62:8
Are there issues that are overwhelming in your life? Everyone of us will at one time or another face personal issues, family issues, financial issues that will be over and above what we can handle or resolve. But we must make a stand and trust God through it all.
That reminds me of a time when a cloud of depression fell on me. I was serving in the U.S. Army in Panama in 1977 as a MP. The spirit of depression caught me by surprise. I did not understand it! I did not like it! Beside my bed was an audio tape by Andre Crouch. As I listened to “through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus”, the message ministered to my soul and the spirit of depression fled. Tears flowed from my eyes in gratitude of being brought a message from God that I could trust Him through it all!
My wife, Cathi, and I have learned to live by that truth. Life has tossed us on some rough seas from time to time but we have always clung to the Word of God and the examples of other saints who have put their trust in God. King David wrote; “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer; my God, my strength in whom I will trust.”Psalm 18:1-2 And, look at Job who lost all of his possessions, his children and his health. Through it all he trusted in Jesus. “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.” Job 13:15
“In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.” Is He your anchor? Is He your hope?
Maybe Jesus is all your hope and stay but trust has faded in your life. Isn’t it time to come back to Jesus and trust Him? For He is the Anchor that will hold you.
A final word….get a concordance and look up the word ‘trust’. You will find many verses that speak of trusting the Lord. Will you do that?
