Why Does Trouble Come (3)
November 15, 2009
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late As we discussed in my previous article, sometimes trouble comes to us for disciplinary reasons, as God seeks to get our attention. It may be not be so much to correct something but to simply nudge us closer to other believers and to Himself.
We are encouraged to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Paul states that believers are all members of one body in Christ and “that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, each part suffers with it” (1 Cor.12:25).
Requesting others to join in prayer when trouble comes is one way believers seek relief from trouble and realize the peace of God. It is one of the believer’s greatest privileges (Matthew 18:19) and one way we “encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
If the Lord is allowing trouble to move you closer to Him, take a little time to read and meditate on the Psalm 23. In a book entitled A Shepherd Looks at Psalms 23 (published by Zondervan in 1970), Phillip Keller portrays a unique view since he was sheep rancher.
Verse by verse is unlocks the various uses of the staff and rod, the love of the shepherd for his sheep, his constant vigil over them, their utter dependence upon the shepherd for survival, and dangers encountered when one strays from the flock.
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” The rod gives us comfort, for it is used primarily as a weapon to drive off predators. That He is with us to help in our times of trouble to drive off our enemy brings us great comfort (Psalms 145:15).
The Shepherd’s staff is a comfort when used to gently guide His sheep onto the right path. He gently places it against His sheep to guide it up those valleys. Occasionally He simply walks along side it with his staff placed gently against its side to assure it of His constant presence.
I cannot tell you why trouble comes into your life. However, I do know that God is “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1). If the storm clouds are gathering in your life, perhaps it is time to pray as David did in Palms 139:23. For our Heavenly Father is faithful (Ezekiel 34:11).
I have found these promises to be true in my own life. You can read my story of God’s love, patience and forgiveness in my book Its Never Too Late – A Prodigal Pastor Returns available at www.faithrescued.com.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
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