“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
When the psalmist speaks of afflictions he is not just referring to those that are physical, but also spiritual affliction. Many are the spiritual afflictions of God’s people as we walk by faith in this godless world. We are often afflicted by temptations from without and within. And many days we are greatly afflicted in our souls by the ungodliness and utter rebellion of many people, both within and without the church; even as we read of “righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)” (2 Peter 2:7-8).
We also struggle with the affliction that takes place within our own soul from day to day as we seek to put off the old desires, habits, and affections, and strive to live according to the new man created in Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, the psalmist declares in our text that ‘the Lord delivers us out of all our afflictions!’ But it’s not so much what type of affliction we bear, but how we bear what God lays upon us in this life. And through looking to Him and pleading His grace, God brings His people into closer fellowship with Himself. And so through the afflictions of this life God causes us, in a wondrous way, to “…taste and see that He is good” (Psalm 34:8). What marvelous grace that causes affliction, both physical and spiritual, to be for our benefit.
Therefore, always remember the Lord is sufficient for all our needs. He has said in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” We can count on the Lord, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), to be our constant guide. He will lead and direct us in the way of truth and down the path of righteousness by His Word. Trust Him! Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Lord will never fail us, but by His Spirit and Word He will be our constant companion, even in the deep waters that He at times calls us to go through. We read a blessed promise the Lord gives His people in Isaiah 43:1-3: “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Trust Him!
The Heidelberg Catechism says, “What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ…” This truth is what brings comfort to the Christian … knowing that we belong to our faithful Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. He is worthy of our trust! TRUST HIM! Heaven and earth will pass away but His faithful Word NEVER will. Look to Him this day and always, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). And when we diligently and dependently come before our Great Redeemer, Sovereign Defender, and Gentle Shepherd in prayer, He alone will give us the quiet mind and peaceful rest we so earnestly seek. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Phil. 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” What words are left to be said but TRUST HIM!