WHEN SURROUNDED IN TROUBLES
Many are the afflictions of the righteous–Psalm 34:19
Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God–Acts 14:22
We are pressed on every side by troubles–2 Corinthians 4:8
I am overwhelmed with troubles, my life draws near to death–Psalm 88:3
My wife was recently diagnosed with a very difficult illness. My mother was just rushed to the hospital for a medical emergency, just one of several this past year. Another family member is suffering through a new, excruciating, painful medical condition. My wife’s brother just suddenly lost his wife to cancer. Another loved one just suffered a terrible life-altering set of cruel circumstances. Another is dealing with the difficulties of long COVID. Honestly, sometimes I can barely catch my breath.
Many may not know this, but one vital aspect of my Strong Disciple ministry is walking through pain and trouble with those I try to help and pray for on a daily basis. The troubles that so many are going through are mind-boggling—One man’s daughter was just diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Several men are going through excruciating divorces. Another is dealing with the trauma of war, having to relocate to a new culture, language, and country. Another man is facing unrelenting injustices that threaten his ability to see his own children. Another young man just had a stroke and is trying to rebuild his life. Another man’s son rejects him and won’t even speak to him any more. Another man and his family face the daily threatening possibility of Muslim terrorists that are ravaging his state and country. My prayer times every morning are filled with requests before the Lord on matters like this on behalf of other people. I feel a tremendous burden for all of these people every day.
Oh, how I wish with all my heart I could eradicate all this pain, trouble, and affliction. How I wish I could heal every single person and their situation.
We live in an incredibly cruel, unjust, and painful world. It’s savage and barbaric. As Christians, it’s even more difficult, as the forces of this evil world are diabolically aligned against us.
After 51 years of this, I discovered only one means of survival—God. I must daily, intentionally, relentlessly, earnestly, put my full hope and faith in God and pour out my grief, sorrow, pain, anguish, rage, frustrations, longings, desires, and requests before him, or I am truly crushed. They will break me and destroy me. They will tear my guts out. God’s answers, and His deliverance, are my only hope. This is why I spend nearly 90 minutes every day in prayer, and additionally offer up multiple mini-prayers throughout the day.
In 51 years of following Christ I have never known a season without troubles. These scriptures have been my pathway through:
I waited and waited for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.–Psalm 40:1-2
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.–Psalm 34:17-19
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me.–Psalm 86:6-7
I cry out to God without holding back. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord.–Psalm 77:1-2
Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.–Psalm 50:15
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.–Psalm 46:1
May God sustain you in your present troubles and surround you with His loving favor, comforting your soul.
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
