Strength That Comes From the Struggle

Strength That Comes From The Struggle 
Read: Psalm 18: 25-36; Psalm 46:1-3; Psalm 55:16-19, 22; Psalm 59:16-17; Psalm 61: 1-4; Psalm 62: 5-8, Psalm 71:5-9  

When hardship enters our world, we have many responses. We may crumple into a sobbing heap or ignore the problem, hoping it will disappear. Reeling in fear, pain, and confusion, we may shout our angry questions to the Heavens. When boiled down, though, we only have two basic responses—acceptance or despair.  

Acceptance simply realizes the facts are true. What we do next is crucial. We can reach up and take hold of God’s hand or allow ourselves to be dragged downstream by the undercurrent of despair. Acceptance faces the facts and says, ‘This is true, but my trust is in the Living God, therefore I always have hope’. It faces the facts with all the strength that raised Christ from the dead; it faces them with complete trust and hope in the Lord of All Creation. Despair also faces the facts but says, ‘Because this is true, there is no hope’.  

As we consider our hardships, on one hand, and hear both preachers’ and scriptures’ admonition to trust God, it all seems a bit lofty. How is it accomplished; what does it even mean? Webster defines trust as: “total confidence in the integrity, ability and good character of another”—trust in God, then, would be total confidence in His integrity, ability and good character. How do we develop that level of trust in God? It comes from investing time in reading the Bible, and doing what it says. It comes by engaging in conversation with Almighty God through prayer, worship, and time with His family, and the church. We learn His integrity and character by reading His word. We learn His strong ability as we obey and find Him faithful. When we take Him at His word, step out, and follow Him, our faith grows. We find Him faithful once again and our trust grows—so the depth of our faith increases. This pattern applied repeatedly will help build an impenetrable trust and faith that will carry you through the storms of life.
 
 
Respond: Has hardship assaulted your life recently? God accepts your tears, anger, and questioning; He desires a relationship with you. Whatever you are feeling, take it to God in prayer. Maybe consider writing out your prayer to God through journaling. How could you move toward acceptance and away from despair? Is there something God has