How Can We Live in God’s Blessings While Going through Trials?
Who You Are | Whose You Are | Your Identify in Jesus Christ | Christianity
Grieving with Peace
The cry online that you see in this post’s Featured Image, came from a fellow Christ follower. She wrote and posted her question to a private Facebook group of believers who study the Bible at a seminary student level.
My Reply
Dear Sister,
I turn to the book of Psalms. They speak to the raw feelings in my heart.
Another resource is my journal in which I pour out my heart to the Lord. It helps me to write out my prayers.
And, this may sound strange, but I recently read through the Old Testament using BibleProject's study on YouVersion's Bible app. The study by BP is called "One Story that Leads to Jesus". [ Read my post here ]
Gaining a perspective on the whole of the Old Testament, and God's work in the lives of His people (despite their stubbornness and disobedience) strangely calmed my heart regarding trials and tribulations. It has deepened my view of God's blessings. The study also increased my longing for the victorious return of the King of Kings and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ. I so long to watch Him deal with our horrible enemy.
I'm grateful I found the late Dr. Mike S. Heiser prior to reading through the Old Testament. The divine council worldview has helped me have a more informed glimpse of the story of humanity with the ancient Israelite understanding (as limited as I am in the 21st century). So much of what causes trials and tribulations comes not just from "the fall" (Adam and Eve - Genesis 3) but from the other two rebellions (Genesis 6:1-4 and Genesis 11). The rebellious and evil sons of God, the disobedient "bene elohim", hate God and hate us very much. They constantly work against us because we are Yahweh’s beloved and cherished image bearers. And, for us who are Christ followers, Jesus turned the spiritual world order upside down by rescuing us and redeeming us through His death on the cross and His bodily resurrection from the dead.
He took our enemies by surprise, and they are pissed off.
To be honest, the older I get the more I'm very much looking forward to His home for us, through His mercy and grace. As the works of our enemies increase and we see so much cruelty of humanity against humanity, tears fill my eyes and I cry out, Maranatha!
At times I feel weary, but I keep Ephesians 6:10-20 close to my heart. I lean on the Holy Spirit who lives in me. And I love Twila Paris' song "The Warrior is a Child." I play her song, crawl into Abba's lap, and I sob for awhile.
Please know this: You're not alone, dear sister, in how you feel.
Affirmations in the Psalms
On my night stand, next to my bed, I have a little notebook. I call it my “Book of Affirmations”. In this little book I write God’s powerful verses that declare who I am in His eyes. These verses help me to live in God’s blessings while going through trials.
Here are a few affirmations from the book of Psalms.
Psalm 27:1 (HCSB)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom should I be afraid?
When I feel afraid, anxious, or stressed (and, I did yesterday), I take a “time out” and focus on God. I spend some time in His presence. Hymns and worship songs help me to focus on Him.
Psalm 9:9-10 (HCSB)
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name trust in You
because You have not abandoned
those who seek You, Yahweh.
Even if death is at our door, we can have confidence in His care for we are sealed in Him (Ephesians 1:13-14). As our Good Shepherd, He walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death.
Psalm 23 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.4 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.5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Soli Deo Gloria!
And, if you’re a not-yet follower of Jesus Christ, please come along on this journey with us. You are welcome here.
Conversation & Community
Your Turn
What are your thoughts about hanging in there with God’s blessings while you go through challenging times?
If you could write this sister a letter, what would you share with her from your own experience?
Or, send me an email:
❤️ To bless the “Algorithm Angels”, please select the “heart” icon to like this post (if you do), even if you’re not a subscriber. That will help NOC, so thank you in advance.
Support My Publication
It’s easy and free! Subscribe to receive my posts in your email Inbox. And, feel free to share this post with others. Thank you!
Follow me on Twitter
https://twitter.com/NightOwlXian
Pin me on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/nightowlchristian/night-owl-christian-blog-posts/
© Copyright 2024—Present, Jenise Cook. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Linking and Sharing Brief Excerpts: We encourage you to quote briefly from our articles within reason, and to link to our content, with proper credit given to Night Owl Christian and contributors. Please provide a complete link to nightowlchristian.substack.com or directly to the article’s URL.
Reprint Permission: Please contact nightowlchristian@proton.me to request reprint permission. All reprints must include the language “Previously published in Night Owl Christian reprinted with permission” or “Reprinted with permission from Night Owl Christian along with a live link to nightowlchristian.substack.com. Content may not be reproduced, in any form, without permission from Night Owl Christian (Jenise Cook).
GOD bless you
I love Twila Paris' song as well. I also have a list I've created with affirmations/God's truth for different circumstances and keep it by my bed. I would encourage others to do the same. Thanks for a great article.