20100725
Trials and afflictions are part and parcel of Christian living. All of us have and will endure times that are like what the Psalmist David has described as “slimy pits of mud and mire”. These are often pits contaminated by our very own sins. We have bad habits that are very difficult to manage or break e.g. uncontrolled temper, lying tongue, craving for materials, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, pornography and other bad habits that does reflect not holy living. We have to trust God and wait diligently on Him to ensure that our faith is strong enough to keep us from acquiring and countering these bad habits.
The Psalmist David implores us in Psalm 40 “to wait patiently upon the Lord to lift us up and set us firmly on the rock”. Each of us must call to the Lord for help to get us out of the “muddy pits”. He describes to us the great blessings of having a right relationship with God and putting our trust in Him. God has seen us through many trials and bearing this in mind will certainly encourage us to hold our heads high in times of terrible circumstances.
“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you” (Ps. 40:5). Trials and afflictions, in their darkest moments often produce in a person, a sense of weakness and dependency on God. A total submission to God usually takes place. Then the seed of faith will grow and mature, resulting in a total transformation from weakness into strength, through trusting and obeying God. The Elder James puts it this way: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (Jam. 1:4). The Christian is once again fortified by this blessing of God’s deliverance and his faith will continue to grow in strength through his many trials. We must not take our salvation for granted and let us always be mindful and thankful that Jesus Christ came to die for our sins. Our lives are always filled with these “slimy pits” but God has lifted us out of that mire, set us on a “Rock”, to make us victorious. Trust in Him – ALWAYS. Let that thought be forever in our minds. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13).
