"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19)
As followers of Christ, God did not promise the road of life to be comfortable and safe. The Bible warns of just the opposite. We have more storms than we have smooth sailing. We can try to question why this is, but I accept that we live in a fallen world created by man when Adam decided to disobey God. Just as Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, so does he still tempt God's children now. Those that have accepted the gift of salvation will not lose their eternal life in heaven. Christians, however, can lose their testimony and possibly cause others to never accept Christ due to giving in to the sins of this world.
It may not seem God is delivering us from our afflictions while we are going through them. We must remember that the deliverance came when Jesus sacrificed his life and died for our sins. Believing and accepting His gift of salvation is our deliverance. We should also remember that Jesus became flesh and walked in this world. He lived through many trials and tribulations just as we are today. For example, he went without food and shelter and went through the betrayal of loved ones.
By accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us that will provide strength and peace to get us through every storm of our life. Just because Jesus isn't walking among us today in the flesh doesn't mean He isn't still with us. He is with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is living inside of us day by day, going through every experience that we are.
We should strive to grow closer to Christ daily through prayer, reading His Word, and keeping His commandments. Whenever you are weak or falling, call on Jesus, and He will help you through. He'll provide the strength, peace, or joy you feel you are missing. Don't forget He understands what pain and affliction are too. (Psalm 34:19)
I hope you enjoy this song by Samantha Hasselbusch
Lyrics:
If you're feeling helpless
If you're feeling hopeless
You're feeling like you're on your own.
Jesus knows your troubles
Your burdens, fears and struggles,
Remember that you're not alone
He was once as you and I
The Word made flesh
He gave His life
Jesus understands
For He has been there too
He had left His holy home
And all that He had known
To live among us
Jesus understands
Just what you're going through
For He laid down His rights
Laid down his life
Just to save us
He is always there to hold your hand
Jesus understands
He understands
Though storms of life will find you
And doubts and fears may bind you
There's perfect peace and rest in Christ
If you feel rejected, despised, and unaccepted
It seems that there's just not a friend in sight
Jesus knows just how you feel
He wants you to know His love is real
Jesus understands
For He did it all for you,
Hanging there upon a tree
To set you free from death
And from your sinfulness
Jesus understands
And He will walk with you
Your high priest and friend until the end
He's with you in your weakness
Can't you see He's reaching out His hand?
Jesus understands
For He has been there too
He had left His holy home
And all that He had known
To live among us
Jesus understands
Just what you're going through
For He laid down His rights
Laid down his life
Just to save us
He is always there to hold your hand
Can't you see He's reaching out His hand?
Jesus understands
He understands