When Many Troubles Come

Scripture:
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Psalm 34:19

Observation: As the psalmist prays for protection and redemption, he makes this very basic statement ... those who obey the Lord may have many troubles. Yes, the Lord will deliver them. However, the troubles will still happen. He does say "may" (which implies faithful believers may not have troubles), but also says "many". So believers may have many, or may have only a few.

There are so many verses in the scriptures that imply righteous individuals do not have trouble, or that having many troubles in life is an indication of failure in faith or obedience. However, this verse is clearer on this topic. Troubles come even to the righteous person and they may even have many troubles.

Application: This verse is actually a comfort, for we know we all have troubles. I have often struggled with the idea that the Lord punishes, or at least condones trouble that fall upon believers, as if those troubles are some sort of punishment or justice about their behavior. That just isn't true. The troubles come upon believers, and sometimes the troubles represent the world's way of lashing back at the Lord, by attacking his faithful believers.

There is an honesty in this verse that is comforting. The troubles come; Maybe even many troubles come. By your faith in the Lord, you'll get over it, and he will soften the blow and lift you up when you have fallen, so don't stress over the troubles.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the comfort of your honest and straightforward truth. I do pray for you to uplift me and my family when the troubles arrive, especially for my son right now. May you deliver him, for he is a righteous believer and seeks your protection from crushing his spirit. We know the troubles come, and thank you for staying with us throughout. Amen.