Comfort for When Life Hurts

Since 1956, people have found Our Daily Bread to be a source of encouragement, comfort, and hope.

Through devotional readings that apply biblical principles, Our Daily Bread has become a great help to many in their daily walk with God. This special edition of Our Daily Bread is designed to help those who are in the midst of struggles with their physical health. It is our desire that you may find in these pages “comfort for when life hurts.�

For information on our resources, please write to the office nearest you from the list below, or go to ourdailybread.org/locations for the complete list of offices.

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Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable Our Daily Bread Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

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Comfort For When Life Hurts

F O R P E R S O N A L and FA M I LY D E V O T I O N S . S I N C E 1956

® HEALTHCARE EDITION

Acknowledgments: Cover Photo: Terry Bidgood, © RBC Ministries Trees in Scotland Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982

by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Healthcare Edition Editor: Tim Gustafson Managing Editor: Kurt De Haan • Assistant Editor: Mike Fitzhugh Senior Editor: Clair Hess • Contributing Editor: Dennis De Haan Editors: Anne Cetas, David Sper, Tracy Carbaugh © 2003 RBC Ministries • All rights reserved. • Printed in Malaysia CPC Sales Agmt. #1451235

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SOMEONE CARES Life is filled with difficult moments, and few hit us more personally and intimately than when we struggle with a severe illness or traumatic injury. Fear, doubt, anxiety, and despair strike at our heart. Coupled with the physical pain, the times when life hurts can be overwhelming. Comfort can seem unattainable. Hope seems beyond reach.

We long for relief from our pain and answers for our questions. Some people respond to their pain by turning away from God; others turn to Him. In the Discovery Series booklet Does God Want Me Well? Herb Vander Lugt writes these insightful words: Without question, many people turn away from God because of the problem of pain. They find it hard to believe that a loving and all-powerful God would permit good people to suffer the way they do. On the other hand, thousands have testified that it was during a time of deep sorrow or intense anguish that they found God more real and precious than ever before.

According to Dr. M. R. De Haan, physician, minister, and founder of Radio Bible Class (now RBC Ministries), God can use sickness in the lives of His children to make them wiser and better people. He wrote: The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from pulpits, but from sickbeds. The greatest, deepest truths of God’s Word have often been revealed . . . by humble souls who have gone through the seminary of affliction and have learned experientially the deep things of the ways of God.

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. . . We may not know what God is doing now, but someday we will understand and be like Him. (Broken Things, Discovery House Publishers, 1988, pp.44,91).

In these difficult seasons of life, it is comforting to realize that God knows all about our situation, and He cares about us. During our struggles, He invites us to turn to the wisdom of the Bible for encouragement, help, and hope.

It is our prayer that this special healthcare edition of Our Daily Bread will be an instrument to help guide you to that encouragement. As you read each day’s devotion and its accompanying portion of Scripture, you will discover four certainties that every child of God can count on in times of sickness and suffering.

1. God gives you reason to hope.

2. God hurts when you hurt.

3. God knows why you are suffering.

4. God is in control.

Though it may seem difficult to embrace these truths now, we hope that your heart will grow in these assurances as you consider the devotional articles and the biblical truths they present. In the final pages of this booklet you will also have an opportunity to give further thought to these four certainties. Our desire for you is reflected in the words of Paul the apostle: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Bill Crowder Director of Church Ministries

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uring a time when Scottish missionary John G. Paton was very ill, a friend said to him, “I am sorry to you lying on your back.” Smiling, OOKING P see Paton asked, “Do you know why God puts us on our backs?” After his friend READ: answered no, the missionary replied, Psalm 119:65-72 “In order that we may look upward.”

Another Christian who viewed suffering from the right perspective was It is good for me that songwriter Eugene Clark. Afflicted I have been afflicted, with severe rheumatoid arthritis and that I may learn Your statutes. glaucoma, Clark spent the last 10 — Psalm 119:71 years of his life bedridden. Yet he continued composing songs and writing articles to the glory of God—enriching the lives of thousands through his ministry. Though down physically, he learned to keep looking up.

Sunny skies, worry-free days, and calm nights are not always the best environment for developing spiritual stamina. It is often in the hour of affliction that we draw close to our loving heavenly Father.

Perhaps you are undergoing some type of suffering right now. Rather than questioning God’s providence, thank Him for His grace, lean on His strong arm, and look up into His face of love. You too can learn the valuable lesson learned by the writer of Psalm 119, John Paton, and Eugene Clark: Being down teaches us to look up. —Paul Van Gorder When life’s afflictions batter you Like waves upon the sand, Remember to look up to God And take His outstretched hand. — Sper Week One Monday

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When you look out, it may be night; but when you look up, it’s always light.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 119:65-72 You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

68 You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

65

Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Your law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.

72 The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

70

INSIGHT Psalm 119, the longest of the psalms, is a meditation on the glory of the Word of God. As the psalmist considers the Word in this segment of Psalm 119, he looks back at how hardship has taught him to flee to the Word for wisdom and encouragement. His conclusion? The delight that he found in the Word of God made him thankful even for the painful afflictions that drove him to it (v.71).

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hen I was in college, my roommate was engaged to a woman who lived 800 miles away. He was a and a pessimist, so he was EELINGS ND worrier constantly questioning the closeness AITHFULNESS of their relationship. If a day came without a letter, he would convince himself that she didn’t love him any READ: longer and was about to break up with Psalm 36:5-12 him.

I would get so fed up with his worrying that I would insist he call her. He Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; always discovered that nothing had Your faithfulness changed and that she was not wavering reaches to the clouds. in her love. Greatly relieved, he would — Psalm 36:5 kick himself for having doubted, and he would promise not to worry again— which lasted about 3 days!

Although we sometimes falter in our faith and question God’s love for us, He remains faithful. Even when we doubt His promises, or don’t feel close to Him, or choose to sin, His faithfulness still “reaches to the clouds” (Psalm 36:5). We can be sure God will do all He said He would do (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). His promises are backed up by His flawless character.

In those times when you don’t feel close to God, remind yourself that His feelings for you haven’t changed. It’s not a matter of how you feel at the moment, but the fact of the rock-solid faithfulness of God. — Dave Egner Our God is God — He does not change; His truth and love remain the same.

He’s faithful to His matchless name, For God is God — He does not change. — D. De Haan Week One Tuesday

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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 36:5-12 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

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For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the workers of iniquity have fallen; they have been cast down and are not able to rise.

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INSIGHT This psalm contains a significant challenge to the reader: Where will you put your trust? David looks at the options others have chosen and realizes nothing is as dependable as God. The Lord is merciful, faithful, and righteous (vv.5-6), and the Almighty’s lovingkindness is precious to God’s hurting child (v.7). It is for this reason that we gladly put our trust “under the shadow of [His] wings”— protected and safe from all harm.

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s a boy, I was fascinated by the sights and sounds of a storm.

They always made me think of God. In the roar of the thunder, I imagined OD BOVE I was hearing His chariots rumbling through the sky. In the flashes of HE TORM lightning, I felt a sense of awe mingled with fear and trust.

READ When I was a seminary student, my Psalm 29 wife and I used to take a drive when we saw a storm approaching so that The voice of the LORD we could experience its wonder more is powerful; the voice vividly. I am less adventurous today, of the LORD is full of but storms still make me think about majesty. — Psalm 29:4 God’s majesty and power.

Psalm 29 describes a storm in all its violence as it sweeps in over the Mediterranean, swoops down the mountain ranges, rushes through the wilderness, and pours out its refreshing rain upon the land.

Towering over the scene is God. The elements of the squall are described as the “voice of the LORD.” The psalm closes by assuring us that the God who was in control when He sent the flood in judgment is also in control when the rain comes as a blessing. Through it all, He is working to give strength and peace to His people. The powerful, majestic God behind the storm has our eventual good in mind, and He will achieve His goal. Isn’t it comforting to know that this God loves and cares for us! — Herb VanderLugt The lightning of a summer storm, Its thunder roaring in reply, Reveal to us an awesome God Whose power we cannot deny. — Sper Week One Wednesday

G A T S

We experience peace — not panic — when we trust the power of God.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 29 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is over many waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars, yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

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The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; and in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood, and the LORD sits as King forever.

11 The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.

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INSIGHT Here, the psalmist proclaims the power of God by describing His authority over creation. The cedars of Lebanon, like the giant redwoods of California today, were seemingly immovable. Yet God can splinter them and make them skip like a calf. The point? With a sovereign God such as ours, how can anything be too hard for Him?

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ack and forth, back and forth go the pounding waves of the sea.

From ages past, the continents have separated by the mighty oceans.

HE WESOME been Man has learned to travel over them, OWER F OD to descend to the bottom of them, and to travel through them — but their immensity and the relentless force of READ: their waves remain untamable. Rocks Psalm 114 are crushed, shorelines are changed, and even experienced sailors can be driven aground or sent to the bottom Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the of the sea. The combined genius of Lord. — Psalm 114:7 man and the most powerful equipment can do little to conquer the oceans.

They are no problem for God, however. The One who created the mighty oceans does with them what He wishes. Psalm 114 refers to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31) to describe God’s great power. The psalmist wrote, “The sea saw it and fled” (Psalm 114:3).

Then he asked, “What ails you, O sea, that you fled?” (v.5).

The seas were obeying the command of God. When the turbulent seas of adversity are threatening, we need to remember the awesome power of God. As the seas fled before Him, so too can the obstacles that seem so overwhelming to us. They have no more resistance to God’s power than water in a teacup! — Dave Egner God gives to His servants a promise: You’ll not have to face life alone, For when you grow weak in your struggle, His strength will prevail — not your own. — Hess Week One Thursday

T A P O G

The power of God within you is greater than the pressure of troubles around you.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 114 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, 2 Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.

3 The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs.

5 What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back?

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O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

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INSIGHT Psalm 114 allows us to remember the history of Israel as a testimony to God’s strength. In addition to “the sea,” referring to God’s parting of the Red Sea to allow the children of Israel to escape the bondage of Egypt (Exodus 14:21), “the Jordan turned back” reminds us of the opening of the Jordan River as the Israelites passed into the land of promise for the first time (Joshua 3:13-16). Even God’s provision of water from a rock (Exodus 17:1-6) bears witness to the power of the Lord. His strength can prevail when ours could never be enough.

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ric was stunned by the certified letter he had received. He had been fired! His record with the company was good, and the reasons given for his TAY T dismissal were without substance.

As he related his story to me, Eric OUR OST explained, “I said to myself, ‘Don’t panic. Think this through. How would READ: God have me respond?’”

Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 After praying and consulting a Christian lawyer, Eric felt that God If the spirit of the ruler was leading him to apply the truth of rises against you, do today’s text to his situation. So he not leave your post; stayed at his post and continued to see for conciliation pacifies clients and place orders. To meet his great offenses. financial needs, he drew on his per— Ecclesiastes 10:4 sonal reserves. Company officials were unprepared to deal with someone who kept at his job after being dropped from the payroll. Eight months later, the president offered Eric a new contract with the best terms ever.

Not everyone can or should do what Eric did. But we can learn from his example. We don’t need to be “afraid of sudden terror” (Proverbs 3:25). We don’t need to panic.

When a trial turns our life upside down, we can “stay at our post” by seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and mature Christian counsel. We can resist despair, remain confident that God is at work, and continue doing what is right and good. God will do the rest. —Dennis De Haan When through life’s darkened maze I go And troubles overwhelm my soul, Oh, grant me, Lord, Your grace to know That You are surely in control. — D. De Haan Week One Friday

S A Y P

A crisis cannot break the one who relies on God’s strength.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 Who is like a wise man?

And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed.

2 I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. 3 Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.”

4 Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, 6 Because for every matter 1

there is a time and judgment, though the misery of man increases greatly.

7 For he does not know what will happen; so who can tell him when it will occur?

8 No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, and no one has power in the day of death. There is no release from that war, and wickedness will not deliver those who are given to it.

9 All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun: There is a time in which one man rules over another to his own hurt.

INSIGHT The author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, had long ago learned that true wisdom comes only from the Lord (1 Kings 3:3-14). Unfortunately, Solomon abandoned the wisdom of God for the supposed wisdom of false gods — and brought disaster to himself and his kingdom. As he wrote Ecclesiastes, he looked back on his life and acknowledged the tragic mistakes he had made.

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nsurance agent Ken Specht had called on Medicus Robertson at the TV store where he worked. Robertson to purchase a $5,000 life insurS OOD S agreed ance policy, which would double in value in case of his accidental death.

IS ORD Mr. Specht said that his company would cover the client until the formal READ: Hebrews 10:19-25 policy application could be issued.

Just then an irate customer burst through the door and shot Robertson, killing him instantly. The insurance He who promised is faithful. company later paid the widow — Hebrews 10:23 $10,000, minus the $10.50 premium Robinson had not paid. Instead of seeking a legal loophole, the agent kept his word.

We who have put our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation can be sure that God will keep His word. Because “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23), the author of Hebrews encouraged believers to boldly “draw near” to God, confident that He has accepted us and our sins have been forgiven (v.22). And we are to encourage one another to be faithful to Him because we know that He will one day return for us (vv.24 -25).

We have a hope that is based on the trustworthy promises of God. Our future is secure. God has always proven Himself to be as good as His word. — Dave Egner Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. — Carter Week One Saturday

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To trust in God is not a gamble, it’s a sure thing.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

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Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

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INSIGHT The writer of this letter to the Hebrews uses the phrase “let us” to encourage his readers to move forward in their walk of faith. He challenges them with this phrase, “let us,” to draw near to God, to hold fast to God’s promises in His Word, and to encourage one another in the faith. The basis of the challenge? The work of Christ and the trustworthiness of God’s Word.

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very few years my family holds a reunion at a park near Lake Michigan. We don’t see one another very often, so we’re always amazed at ART F how much the grandchildren have grown or how much the children look HE AMILY like their parents. I look forward to the picnic because I’m reminded that READ: I’m part of a family.

Ephesians 2:14-22 Everyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior belongs to God’s family. The apostle Paul said that we You are . . . members of the household of are all “members of the household of God. God” (Ephesians 2:19). We are part of — Ephesians 2:19 a family that is made up of all believers in Christ.

Members of a loving family should be honest about their concerns for one another. They can ask about how specific problems or struggles are being handled, and they can confront difficult issues.

As believers in Christ, we are to be concerned about other members in the family of God. Sometimes the path to spiritual growth can get pretty rough. So we need to encourage fellow Christians to turn from their sin and live for the Lord.

The purpose is always to produce a harmonious family of believers who are doing the work of God and building one another up.

What a privilege to be in the family of God! —Dave Egner FOR FURTHER STUDY How can members of God’s family help one another?

See Romans 12:10,16; Galatians 5:13,26; Ephesians 4:1-3,32; Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16.

Week One Sunday

P O T F

We show our love for God when we love His family.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Ephesians 2:14-22 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

18 For through Him we 14

both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

INSIGHT Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is considered by many to be a literary masterpiece. By others, it is a theological treatise. For all, however, it is an eloquent portrayal of the church, the body of Christ. In this passage, Paul is describing the work of Christ that opened the way for all people to have a relationship with God, that those outside Israel could be “no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (v.19). How was the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile accomplished? Through the cross of Christ.

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ime and time again, the Lord has tenderly spoken these reassuring words to His people: “Do not fear.”

Yet how prone we are to live our E EANT days, like frightened lambs, in fear HAT E AID and anxiety.

Why are we fearful? Could it be that we see God as a reluctant giver?

READ: Jesus tenderly corrected this distorLuke 12:22-34 tion when He said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good Do not fear, little flock. pleasure to give you the kingdom” — Luke 12:32 (Luke 12:32). When Jesus said, “Do not fear,” He implied that fear is needless because we can trust our Father’s care.

Not too long ago, I was stewing about several personal concerns while driving my car. Suddenly the words “Do not fear!” broke into my troubled mind. As my car ate up the miles, God’s loving rebuke ate up my doubts, and I prayed, “Lord, when You said, ‘Do not fear,’ You really meant it! You want me to take You seriously, and that means trusting the Father’s eagerness to look after me and my needs.”

Jesus said that our heavenly Father knows what we need, and if we seek His kingdom first His provisions will be ours (vv.30-31). We can trust Him. He meant what He said. — Joanie Yoder At times our fears may loom so large We long for proof that God is near; It’s then our Father says to us, “Have faith, My child, and do not fear.” — D. De Haan Week Two Monday

H M W H S

The perfect cure for fear is trust in God.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Luke 12:22-26,29-34 [Jesus] said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.

23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?

25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?

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29 And do not seek what you should eat or what you

should drink, nor have an anxious mind.

30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.

31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

34 For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”

INSIGHT Jewish ceremonial law viewed ravens (v.24) as “unclean” and worthless. The lilies of the field (v.27) would wither and die. If God feeds birds that are unclean and have no value, and clothes flowers that will only wither and die, He will most certainly care for those He loves with an everlasting love!

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he young woman’s face was twisted in agony. “It just isn’t fair!” she cried. “My father robbed me of my childhood. He almost deprived HE INAL me of any chance of marital happiness. How could God let it happen?”

UTCOME She was right. It wasn’t fair. Her father had humiliated and abused her READ: from the time she was a little girl. He Psalm 145:8-21 had mocked her and called her ugly and stupid. She was the victim of a depraved cruelty that had crippled her It was too painful for me — until I went into emotionally for years. Why didn’t the sanctuary of God; God step in and rescue her? then I understood.

The Lord may not give us the — Psalm 73:16-17 answers we want. He may want us to conclude, as did suffering Job (Job 42:3) and David (Psalm 145:17), that God can be trusted to do what is right.

Part of God’s righteousness is letting a fallen world suffer the consequences of its sinful depravity. Another part is that God offers grace to all who suffer. And when His final judgment comes (2 Peter 2:9), abusers and oppressors will get what they deserve.

Are you suffering because of cruel or thoughtless abuse?

Don’t let it crush your spirit or make you doubt God. Because He is righteous, you still haven’t seen the final outcome. And He will give mercy and grace to help you through your difficulties. — Dave Egner Now evil prospers, falsehood reigns, And darkness dims the light; But soon the day will come when Christ Returns to set things right. — Sper Week Two Tuesday

T F O

We can endure life’s wrongs because we know that God is right.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 145:8-21 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.

9 The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.

10 All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, 12 to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look 8

expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.

18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

20 The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.

INSIGHT The positioning of this particular psalm in the book of Psalms is intriguing. David launches into a celebration of the grace, mercy, and compassion of the living God (v.8), and that celebration becomes a preface for the next five psalms — all of which begin with the phrase “Praise the Lord!” The reasons for praising Him? His love and care (Psalm 146), His restoration of Jerusalem (Psalm 147), His power expressed in creation (Psalm 148), His justice (Psalm 149), and His greatness (Psalm 150). Those are good reasons to praise the Lord!

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any of us would be amazed if we could see how the little turns in the road, the unexpected circumhave shaped the course of our ROVIDENTIAL stances, lives. All these events have been directed by the unseen, providential ROVISION hand of our loving heavenly Father.

When Donald Grey Barnhouse was READ: in London, he gave some important Genesis 50:15-21 papers to a secretary to type and mail to another part of the city. It was Friday and the matter was urgent. On Monday Casting all your care upon Him, for He she discovered that the person to cares for you. whom she had given the envelope had — 1 Peter 5:7 not mailed it. So a courier was sent to deliver it by hand across London. The address was 5 Eaton Place. But no one at that location had heard of the person to whom it was addressed.

The messenger phoned the office, only to learn that the letter was to go to 5 Eaton Gate. Had it been mailed, the letter would have been delivered to the wrong address. God had overruled human failure to make sure that the right person at the right address received it on time.

Delays, detours, disappointments, surprising turn of events, joyous fulfillment—are these chance? No, the child of God has the assurance that providential provision is always being made for him. He who knows the end from the beginning cares for His own. — Paul Van Gorder He knows each winding way I take, And soothes each sorrow, pain, and ache.

When testings come, He’s by my side, And through them all His hand will guide. — Bosch Week Two Wednesday

P P

Nothing is too big for God to accomplish; nothing is too small for Him to notice.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Genesis 50:15-21 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”

16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’

Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.”

And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

15

Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”

19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”

And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

18

INSIGHT Joseph’s attitude — forgiving when it was in his power to exact revenge — is one that foreshadows Christ Himself. This is pure mercy, as the brothers do not receive what they deserve. Joseph, like Christ, went a step further with his offer of care to his enemies. It was giving them what they did not deserve — and that is grace.

These two things that expose the heart of Joseph also declare the mind of Christ.

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n the early days of the automobile, a Model-T Ford stalled in the middle of the road. The driver couldn’t get it started no matter how hard he OD cranked or what adjustments he tried NDERSTANDS to make.

Just then a chauffeured limousine pulled up behind him, and a wiry, READ: energetic man stepped out from the Psalm 139:1-12 back seat and offered his assistance.

After looking under the hood and tinkering with something for a few He knows our frame.

— Psalm 103:14 moments, the stranger said, “Now try it!” Immediately the engine leaped to life and purred like a kitten.

Extending his hand to the driver, the well-dressed man identified himself as Henry Ford. “I designed and built these cars,” he said, “so I know what to do when something goes wrong.”

In Psalm 139, David said that God, who created us and has planned our lives, understands us completely. He knows when we sit down and when we rise up, and He knows our thoughts even before they come into our minds. We can turn to Him with confidence when nothing seems to be going right. He knows the difficulty of our situation and exactly what we need because “His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5).

How comforting that God understands! — Henry Bosch God understands your heartache, He knows the bitter pain; O trust Him in the darkness, You cannot trust in vain. — Smith Week Two Thursday

G U

The One who made you is the One who can mend you.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 139:1-12 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

5 You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

1

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” even the night shall be light about me; 12 indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. 8

INSIGHT A parallel to this passage on God’s understanding is seen in Hebrews 4:15. The writer says that Jesus is able to understand our suffering because He has personally been touched with the feeling of our pain.

Instead of a human high priest who is aloof and distant, we have a heavenly High Priest who thoroughly understands the pain of life that we endure.

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n the fifth century, a man named Arsenius determined to live a holy life. So he abandoned the comforts of Egyptian society to follow an austere HAT E lifestyle in the desert.

Yet whenever he visited the great ON T EED city of Alexandria, he spent time wandering through its bazaars. Asked why, READ: he explained that his heart rejoiced at 1 Timothy 6:6-11 the sight of all the things he didn’t need.

Those of us who live in a society Having food and clothing, with these flooded with goods and gadgets need we shall be content. to ponder the example of that desert — 1 Timothy 6:8 dweller. How many items in a big city shopping mall are absolutely essential to our well-being? How many are superfluous?

It’s hard for us to say sincerely with the apostle Paul, “Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). In our constant battle against the seductive materialism of our culture, let’s follow the example of Arsenius. As we walk through the markets and shopping malls, we too can rejoice at the sight of all the things we don’t need.

That’s only the first step, however. The next step is to become much more wise in our spending, more generous in our giving to others, and more sacrificial with the resources God has given to us. — Vernon Grounds Lord, make me truly wise, I pray, Contented with my lot; Help me to shun all earthly things That soon will be forgot. — Bosch Week Two Friday

W W D ’ N

Contentment isn’t getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.

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Today’s Bible Reading — 1 Timothy 6:6-11 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

6

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

10

INSIGHT Contentment is a significant theme in the New Testament. The key to being content, no matter what our possessions, is to realize that we have Christ Himself. Hebrews 13:5-6 reads, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”

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o you ever wonder if the Lord has forgotten you? Does it seem as if He’s not paying as much attento you as He once did? If so, ON T ORGET tion remember that appearances can be deceiving. Regardless of how it looks E ORD right now, the Lord is not far from you. He may be giving you an opporREAD: tunity to trust Him and wait for His Psalm 13 help rather than rely on your own resources.

We are all familiar with a similar How long, O LORD? Will You forget me kind of testing in everyday life. What forever? — Psalm 13:1 parent has not told his child to stay in a certain place until he returns? And what parent is not distressed if that same child is unwilling to wait but quickly runs off on his own?

David, the author of Psalm 13, reflected the thoughts of a child of God who certainly must have pleased the heavenly Father. He was being put to the test. He knew the experience of feeling that he had been abandoned by the Lord. Yet he remained convinced that his only real hope was in God, and that He would reward his faith.

Are you being tested right now? Does God seem far away? It’s your opportunity to learn what David learned— that the Lord never leaves you. He sustains all who put their trust in Him. — Mart De Haan I’ll walk this day in faith, dear Lord, No foe, no storm I’ll fear; But trusting in Your precious Word, I’m safe, for You are near. — Anon.

Week Two Saturday

D ’ F M,L !

He who abandons himself to God will never be abandoned by God.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 13 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?

How long will You hide Your face from me?

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?

How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 1

lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

5 But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

6 I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

4

INSIGHT The Psalms minister to us as much as any portion of Scripture, in part because we identify with them so completely. The book of Psalms contains frank, often emotional, responses to life. As we read the Psalms, we must ever keep in mind that God encourages and desires our honest expressions of worship and concern, praise and heartache, joy and sorrow. Our great God knows our hearts and can handle our responses to life.

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ne grasshopper seems insignificant as it leaps across the lawn.

But when it joins forces with other grasshoppers, the resulting swarm can HE OOD soon devour all the vegetation in its ENSE F HE path.

Grasshoppers demonstrate the RASSHOPPER power of community. What they cannot do by themselves, they can READ: accomplish together. In the book of Hebrews 10:19-25 Proverbs, the wise man Agur observed, “The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks” Let us consider one (30:27). another in order to We can learn a lesson from these litstir up love and good tle creatures. Believers can make far works.

— Hebrews 10:24 greater advances for Christ’s cause when they act and pray together than they could ever make alone. When Christians are united in serving the Lord, they can become a mighty force for God. Although the New Testament urges us to possess a personal faith in Jesus Christ, it says nothing at all about a private faith. We need other believers, and other believers need us.

Let’s enjoy the strength and fellowship available in the unified body of Christ. An effective church will reflect “the good sense of the grasshopper” by its love and unity in the Holy Spirit. — Haddon Robinson We all depend upon the strength We draw from one another, For we are one in faith and love With every Christian brother. — Sper Week Two Sunday

T G S OT G

Two Christians are better than one — when they’re one.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the 19

confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

INSIGHT A week ago (Saturday), we focused on the “let us” statements of this passage. Here, we want to focus on the role of our Lord in our responses to one another. Notice that Christ consecrated the “new and living way,” serves as “High Priest over the house of God,” and is faithful in keeping His promises. The faithfulness of Christ in caring for us should encourage us as believers to be faithful in caring for one another.

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will never forget my first stay in the hospital. As a young boy of 7, I had contracted tuberculosis of the I had never spent the night away IS SSURING hip. from home before, and the prospect of being hospitalized frightened me.

RESENCE As my condition worsened, the doctors decided to try a medical proREAD: cedure that would be extremely Exodus 33:12-17 painful and thus require anesthesia.

Dr. John Hodgen made it easier for me, however, by permitting my father My Presence will go with you, and I will to stay with me in the operating room. give you rest.

As the ether was about to be adminis— Exodus 33:14 tered, I said, “Doctor, can I see my daddy just once more?” My father took my hand in his own and said, “Be a good boy, Henry. Everything is going to be all right. Just take three long, deep breaths and you’ll be asleep. I’ll be here by your side the whole time.”

I did what he said and came through the operation successfully. Knowing that my father would be there beside me all the time removed my fear and gave me peace. And when I awoke in the recovery room, he was still there.

So too, our heavenly Father will be near us in every situation and in every difficulty we may face. Just as He reassured Moses of His presence, we can be sure that He will be with us and give us rest. — Henry Bosch O Thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight, On whom in affliction I call, My comfort by day and my song in the night, My hope, my salvation, my all. — Swain Week Three Monday

H A P

With God behind you, you can face whatever is ahead of you.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Exodus 33:12-17 Then Moses said to the LORD, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’

13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

12

Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.

16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”

17 So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”

15

INSIGHT God’s promise of His abiding presence to Israel is a blessing that we can know as Christians as well. In John 14:18, Jesus promises that we will never be abandoned. Why? Because of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of God’s child.

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ountless icebergs float in the frigid waters around Greenland.

Some are tiny; others tower skyward.

At times the small ones move in one HAT direction while their gigantic counterparts go in another. The small ones are OVES OU subject to surface winds, but the huge ice masses are carried along by deep READ: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 ocean currents.

Our lives are subject to two similar forces. The winds represent everything changeable, unpredictable, disI have been crucified with Christ; it is no tressing. But simultaneous with these longer I who live, adverse gusts or gales is a force more but Christ lives in me. powerful than anything on the sur— Galatians 2:20 face. It’s the sure movement of God’s purposes and the deep flow of His unchanging love. In that unseen current rests the destiny of our souls.

When the psalmist was distressed by thoughts of the prosperity of the wicked, he went into the sanctuary to get alone with God. Only then did he regain perspective (Psalm 73:17).

Job faced his calamities by affirming, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). And Paul, realizing that he had been “crucified with Christ,” could say, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

As we keep trusting the Lord, the surface winds won’t move us. Rather, we’ll be carried along with the deep current of God’s love and power. — Dennis De Haan Underneath the restless surface Of each trial that comes in life Flow the Savior’s love and power — Let them calm your inner strife. — D. De Haan Week Three Tuesday

W M

Y ?

Better the storm with Christ than smooth waters without Him.

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Today’s Bible Reading — 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who 8

raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

INSIGHT The apostle Paul shows the balance between circumstance and hope. Though hard pressed, we are not crushed (vv.8-9). Assurance and hope remain. We don’t give up, for even though our body is deteriorating, God is renewing our spirit (v.16).

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he children of Israel faced what seemed to be a severe crisis.

Moses, their leader, had just died. would they do? Who would lead E S LWAYS What them? Would they now perish in the wilderness?

ITH S Of course not! Although Moses had died, God certainly was not dead! He READ: told the new leader, Joshua, exactly Joshua 1:1-9 what to do next: “Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people” (Joshua 1:2). Then the As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Lord spoke these words of assurance — Joshua 1:5 to Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage” (vv.5-6).

Yes, Moses was dead, but God was still alive. And His plans for the nation of Israel would go on.

What a comfort that is for us today! Even though troubling crises arise, great leaders fall, precious loved ones die, and all human help and comforts fail, God is not dead. He is always with us.

Are you weighed down with the cares of life—lonely, discouraged, and despondent? Remember, our trust is in the living God. As He was with Moses, Joshua, and the children of Israel, so He is with us. Look to Him today for guidance, and experience His abiding peace. — Richard De Haan Our loving God is always near, Forever by our side; He’ll bring us comfort in our fear And peace that will abide. — Sper Week Three Wednesday

H’ A W U

When we have nothing left but God, we find that God is enough.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Joshua 1:1-2,5-9 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. . . .

5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

1

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

7

INSIGHT Joshua’s call to service was a call to become equipped. The key element of that equipping would come by careful meditation on the Word of God (v.8). That is still true today. Only as we bathe our hearts and minds in God’s principles can we be equipped to live victoriously for Him. Only when strengthened by His powerful truth can we replace fear with courage.

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urrender is not a very popular word. We use it in reference to the humiliation that accompanies defeat.

When a nation loses a war, it may be OOD forced to surrender unconditionally, and has no say in the terms of defeat.

URRENDER Yet there is a type of surrender that is dignified and appropriate. Paul READ: Philippians 4:10-19 understood it in two aspects. First, it means surrendering our desires and will to the heavenly Father. Jesus is our example, for He did the Father’s I have learned in whatever state I am, will in everything (John 6:38). to be content.

The second aspect is our accep— Philippians 4:11 tance of God’s supreme sovereignty.

This is marked by our realization that things do not always go our way as God works out His will on earth. Our business goes through good times and bad. Our health may suffer. Loved ones will hurt us, or leave us, or even die. Our fondest dreams may never be realized.

In the spiritual sense, to surrender means that we trust God to do what is best. It is, as Paul said, choosing to be content “in whatever state I am” (Philippians 4:11-12), and knowing by faith that God will take care of our needs (v.19). That kind of faith isn’t easy. But it’s the only way to overcome dissatisfaction and anger about uncontrollable circumstances.

Perhaps it’s time to say “I surrender” to the Lord and to His perfect will and plan. — Dave Egner Take my love — my God, I pour At Thy feet its treasure store; Take myself — and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee. — Havergal Week Three Thursday

AG S

Surrender is victory when we yield to God.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Philippians 4:10-19 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the 10

beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

INSIGHT As Paul wrote these words about his contentment in life’s circumstances, he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. It is easy to be content with life when all is well, but when life is hard, even painful, contentment can be hard to find. Paul’s words encourage us, however, that contentment does not have to be a victim of life’s difficulties.

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t was the night before Steven would lose his adenoids and tonsils to a surgeon’s scalpel. Being 9 years old, he was fearful of what the next day UT OUR would bring. The old “You get to have EARS O EST all the ice cream you can eat” line had worn itself out. Steven knew he was in for some tough days ahead.

READ: Then the phone rang. It was our pasPsalm 34:1-10 tor, Jim Jeffery, calling Steven from an airport while on an out-of-town trip.

When Steven got off the phone, he I sought the LORD, and He heard me, proudly announced, “Pastor Jeffery and delivered me prayed with me on the phone!” from all my fears.

Later, after Steven had recovered — Psalm 34:4 from the surgery, he went to Pastor Jeffery to thank him for the phone call. He told him something he hadn’t told us: “After you prayed with me on the phone, I wasn’t scared anymore.”

Prayer is a powerful tool whether we pray alone or with others. The psalmist cried out to the Lord and was delivered from his fears (Psalm 34:4). In Steven’s case, prayer helped a young boy who feared an unknown tomorrow. In your case, it may help you understand God’s mysterious ways when you lose a job, a relationship falters, a child goes wayward, or your faith seems small.

Share your concerns with others, and talk to the Father together. Put your fears to rest. — Dave Branon Because you prayed with me today, My fear began to melt away; I knew that Jesus heard our prayer, And I was really in His care. — Hess Week Three Friday

P Y F T R

We tap into God’s power through prayer.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 34:1-10 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, 1

and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

INSIGHT The key verse in Psalm 34 may be verse 3, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” It is a call to worship as a community of faith, as well as a call to be involved with one another in the events of life. That sense of community can prevent us from feeling alone when life is hard.

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n unknown author described God’s love as a stream that never freezes, a fountain that never runs and a sun that never sets. Failure HE OVE HAT dry, to recognize the unchanging love of God has driven many people to EVER AILS despair.

D. L. Moody once commented, “I READ: know of no truth in the whole Bible Jeremiah 31:1-7 that ought to come home to us with such power and tenderness as that of the love of God. Satan constantly tries I have loved you with an everlasting to persuade men and women that the love; therefore with Lord does not love them. He suclovingkindness I have ceeded in making our first parents drawn you. believe that lie, and too often he suc— Jeremiah 31:3 ceeds with us.”

Moody continued, “Because your child is fretful or has committed some act of disobedience, you do not cast him out as though he did not belong to you. So too, when we go astray, it does not follow that God despises us. It’s the sin that He hates.”

What Jeremiah wrote to Israel about the everlasting love of God is just as true for His people today. He never lets us go, and His compassion never disappoints us.

No matter how unsettling our circumstances, life is still worth living when we take God’s reassuring words to heart: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” — Henry Bosch How wonderful to know that He Who watches from above, Will always keep us sheltered in His ever-present love. — King Week Three Saturday

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Man’s love has limits; God’s love is limitless.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Jeremiah 31:1-7 “At the same time,” says the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

2 Thus says the LORD: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when I went to give him rest.”

3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

4 Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go 1

forth in the dances of those who rejoice.

5 You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food.

6 For there shall be a day when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.’” 7 For thus says the LORD: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’”

INSIGHT The pictures of God’s love in verse 3 are rich indeed. It is an active love (“I have loved”) that God directs toward His children. It is an eternal love (“everlasting”) that has no end, and it is a love that draws us into relationship with Him. As we read in John 3:16, all these things are still true — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

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efore Jesus left His disciples and returned to heaven, He promised that He would send them a Helper, the Spirit. The word helper in John RM ROUND Holy 14:16 means, “one called alongside.”

He stands beside us to help us. That’s OUR why we who are believers in Christ HOULDER fight no battles and face no issues alone.

READ: This story in Leadership magazine John 14:15-21 illustrates the point: “Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball. Breaking baseball’s He will give you color barrier, he faced jeering crowds another Helper, that He may abide with you in every stadium. While playing one forever. — John 14:16 day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he committed an error. The fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while the fans jeered. Then, shortstop Pee Wee Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and faced the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.”

How many times has our Helper, the Holy Spirit, done just that for us? We felt alone, discouraged, a failure, ready to quit, but then we sensed His comforting presence. Or perhaps He gave us the support we needed through a Christian friend.

We can be sure that the Holy Spirit is always standing alongside, ready and able to help. — Dave Egner Holy Spirit, joy divine, Cheer this saddened heart of mine; Bid my many woes depart, Heal my wounded, bleeding heart. — Reed Week Three Sunday

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If you have the Holy Spirit on the inside, you can stand any battle on the outside.

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Today’s Bible Reading — John 14:15-21 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

15

At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

20

INSIGHT In this passage, the key word is another (v.16). There are two Greek words for another. One (heteros) means “another of a different kind.” The word here, however, means “another of the exact same kind” (allon). This means that the Helper (the Holy Spirit) will be exactly like Jesus, offering the same love, concern, help, and care that Christ Himself offers to His own. It should encourage us to know that the Holy Spirit is a perfect representation of Christ — and He dwells within us!

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ou don’t have to live very long in this world before it becomes painfully clear that nothing lasts forever.

The car you were so proud of when OREVER you bought it is spending too much time in the shop getting fixed. Those ERCY clothes you picked up on sale are now in the hand-me-down box. At home, READ: the roof eventually leaks, the appliPsalm 136:1-9 ances break down, the carpet needs to be replaced. And relationships we think will endure often fall apart.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is Nothing lasts forever—nothing but good! For His mercy God’s mercy, that is. Twenty-six times endures forever. we are reminded of this inspiring truth — Psalm 136:1 in Psalm 136. Twenty-six times the writer gives us something for which to praise the Lord, and then he reminds us, “His mercy endures forever.”

Think of what this means. When we sin and need forgiveness, His mercy endures forever. When our lives seem a jumbled mess that we can’t control, His mercy endures forever. When we can’t find anyone to turn to for help, God’s mercy endures forever. When each day is a struggle because of illness, despair, or conflict, His mercy endures forever.

Whenever life seems overwhelming, we can still praise the Lord, as the psalmist did—for God’s mercy is always new and fresh.

No problem outlasts God’s forever mercy! — Dave Branon All the way my Savior leads me — What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? — Flint Week Four Monday

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God’s heart is always overflowing with mercy.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 136:1-9 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

2 O give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4 to Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; 5 to Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; 1

to Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; 7 to Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever— 8 the sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever.

6

INSIGHT In Psalm 136, God’s “forever mercy” is praised for a number of reasons, all having to do with ways God has expressed Himself to us.

In verses 1-9, His mercy is seen in His power displayed in the universe He has created. In verses 10-22, God’s mercy is seen in His powerful rescue of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Finally, in verses 23-26, His mercy is expressed as He extends compassion to us — even though we don’t deserve it. No wonder the psalmist closes by saying, “Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:26).

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hen an elderly minister was asked to give his favorite Bible verse, he replied, “Half a dozen come to mind. On stormy days I want a AVORITE cloak. On cold days I want the sunny side of the wall. On hot days I want a ERSES shady path. I may want a shower of manna or a cool drink of living water.

READ: Psalm 119:128-142 I may want a sword. In fact, I might as well try to decide which of my eyes is my favorite. ‘All Scripture . . . is profitable’” (2 Timothy 3:16).

All Your precepts concerning all things Although some parts of God’s I consider to be right. Word have greater literary beauty than — Psalm 119:128 others, all are equally inspired. It is a mistake to rely on just a few verses and fail to become familiar with other passages that can supply us with fresh insights into the mind of God. Many believers are content to keep quoting the same portions of Scripture they did 5 or 10 years ago. They apparently have not grown in their understanding and appreciation of God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit did not waste words when He inspired the writers of the Bible. He intended that we should value the Word of God in its entirety. We may agree in principle, but in practice are we applying the truths gained from a wider reading of God’s Word? Can we honestly say, “I love all Your Word”? — Henry Bosch I love Your truth, O Lord, The Word which You have given; Its precepts shall my soul delight On earth as well as heaven. — Bosch Week Four Tuesday

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The Bible is a banquet table, not a snack tray.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 119:128-142 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.

129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

131 I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.

132 Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name.

133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.

135 Make Your face shine 128

upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.

136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law.

137 Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.

138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful.

139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.

140 Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.

141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

INSIGHT Here again, the theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God. Two great truths are seen in this passage. The first is the continuing benefit of the Word in the life of the believer. The Word gives light and understanding, says the psalmist (v.130). Both are invaluable in a trying, difficult world. Second, he shows us the hunger of his heart for the Word. First Peter 2:2 agrees: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.”

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he British hymnwriter William Cowper (1731-1800) often suffered great mental anguish. At times, he even considered taking his own OD EADS life. One night in such a mood he hailed a horse-driven cab and asked to S LONG be taken to the Thames River, but the city of London was blanketed with READ: such a thick fog that the driver lost his Psalm 23 way. At last Cowper leaped impatiently from the buggy, determined to find his watery grave unassisted.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness Groping through the fog, he was for His name’s sake. astonished when he discovered that he — Psalm 23:3 was back at his own doorstep! Falling to his knees, he thanked the Lord for the fog He had sent over London, which had prevented him from committing suicide.

Knowing that God in His grace had misdirected the cab driver, Cowper wrote these memorable words: “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. You fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and will break in blessing on your head!”

God has a purpose in everything that comes into your life and mine. We may not be able to comprehend the “why” of things at the present, but someday in heaven we shall see how God led us even in times of great distress. — Henry Bosch God’s sure hand is ever leading; Lift the curtain of despair, For however deep life’s shadows, You will find your Father there. — Chambers Week Four Wednesday

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You don’t need to see the way if you stay close to the One who does.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with 1

me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

INSIGHT Unquestionably the most beloved of all the psalms, Psalm 23 reminds us of the continuing care of the Shepherd for His flock. What makes it all the more interesting is that the psalmist, David, begins by telling us about the trustworthiness of the Shepherd. Before long, however, his attention shifts. When he speaks of the Shepherd’s provision, he is bearing witness of God’s faithfulness. But when David remembers the “valley of the shadow,” he addresses the Lord Himself and acknowledges His faithful guidance during life’s darkest moments.

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n item in the National Geographic magazine carried this caption: “New Spin on Fast Food.” The article was about the phalarope, “a wading AST OOD shorebird that has a unique way of dining on creatures too deep for it to READ: reach.” Spinning in the water at Psalm 104:24-35 breakneck speed—a full spin per second—it creates a vortex that “pumps up” shrimp from a depth of 3 feet.

What You give them According to UCLA biologist they gather in; You William M. Hamner, the bird is also a open Your hand, they are filled with good. speedy eater. His research team has — Psalm 104:28 learned that “phalaropes detect prey, thrust, seize, transport, and swallow in less than half a second, at a rate of 180 pecks per minute.”

The author of Psalm 104 probably never saw a phalarope, but he had observed enough of God’s creative genius in nature to fill his heart with praise. He wrote, “The earth is full of Your possessions . . . , living things both small and great. . . . These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in” (vv.24-28).

Do we think of our life-support systems—the food we eat, the air we breathe, the strength we receive—as coming from the hand of God? Most of us take these provisions for granted. With your Bible open to Psalm 104, look again at the marvels of God’s world. — Dennis De Haan This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. — Babcock Week Four Thursday

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All creation is an outstretched hand pointing toward God.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 104:24-35 24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.

The earth is full of Your possessions— 25 this great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great.

26 There the ships sail about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there.

27 These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season.

28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.

29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works.

32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD. 35 May sinners be consumed from the earth, and the wicked be no more.

Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!

INSIGHT As the psalmist considers the grace and provision of the Lord, he recognizes several things. He understands that, for all men’s efforts, our true provision comes from the Lord’s hand. He also understands that the power that brought the universe into existence is the power that God utilizes to meet his personal needs. How amazing that so great a God should care for us! No wonder the psalmist’s response is to sing, praise, and give glory to God for His power and goodness.

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portswriter Waddy Spoelstra and his wife Jean are both octogenarians who demonstrate each day the importance of a life of faith in Jesus RUST IM Christ.

Jean has suffered from congestive ITH OUR heart failure for 3 years. After she had EART a medical checkup last fall, her doctor announced, “Your heart is good and READ: your lungs are clear. It seems that both Psalm 34:15-22 are in the process of healing.” When Waddy responded with “Praise the Lord,” the physician replied, “That’s The LORD is far from it. You two have positive attitudes. the wicked, but He You believe in answered prayer. As hears the prayer of I’ve said before, prayer is a big part of the righteous.

— Proverbs 15:29 medical care.”

It’s exciting to hear a doctor acknowledging the connection between prayer and patient care. It’s not a new idea, though.

Studies have shown that prayer can accelerate the healing process, whether it’s the patient or others who do the praying.

But we don’t really need studies to prove that prayer works.

God’s Word tells us it does.

Have you spent time talking to the Lord about your trials? He knows how to meet your needs — whether through His direct intervention (Psalm 34:17) or through the comfort of His presence (v.18). Trust Him today with your heart. — Dave Branon Prayer brings us peace and gives us power To walk the Christian way; Prayer links us with the living God — Therefore we need to pray. — Anon.

Week Four Friday

T H W Y H

Daily prayers are the best remedy for daily cares.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 34:15-22 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

15

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

20 He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

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INSIGHT One of the most comforting verses in the Bible is Psalm 34:18.

When we are hurting, He notices and cares. When we suffer, He comes near and rescues. When we need Him, our Lord sees our broken heart and our contrite spirit. He ministers to us in the depth of our soul — and at the point of our pain.

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shall never forget the message Pastor Joseph Bower brought to the RBC Ministries staff in a chapel session a number of years ago. He OD used three Scripture texts (2 Timothy 2:19; Psalm 103:14; 2 Peter 2:9) to EMEMBERS point out that God understands us perfectly—our weaknesses, our limitaREAD: tions, our very nature.

Psalm 103:11-22 What I remember most vividly from Pastor Bower’s sermon, though, was a personal experience he shared He knows our frame; He remembers that that illustrated Psalm 103:14. A man we are dust. of great size and strength, he was — Psalm 103:14 active in the construction of church buildings in addition to preaching.

One day he wanted to move a steel beam weighing about 300 pounds, so he asked his son to grab the other end and set it in place. The young man tried to lift the huge girder, but he couldn’t. In fact, he ended up in the hospital.

Pastor Bower was heartbroken. Because of his own strength, he had overlooked his son’s relative weakness. He went on to say that our heavenly Father will never overlook His children’s weaknesses, for “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

If you are under a heavy load today, take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord will never burden you with more than you can carry. — Richard De Haan He knows our burdens and our crosses, Those things that hurt, our trials and losses; He cares for every soul that cries, God wipes the tears from weeping eyes. — Brandt Week Four Saturday

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God, who knows our load limit, graciously limits our load.

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Today’s Bible Reading — Psalm 103:11-22 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who 11

fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, 18 to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.

21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.

22 Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

INSIGHT Consider the greatness of God’s mercy (vv.11-12). It is as great as the heavens are high, and it completely removes our sins in forgiveness.

Yes, “so great is His mercy.”

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mother who lost her son asked an elderly Chinese philosopher how to overcome her deep grief. “I can help you, but you must first bring OW OD me some mustard seed,” said the old wise man. “But you must get it at a AKES home where there has never been any OMFORTERS loss or sorrow.”

Eagerly the woman started her READ: search, but in every home she visited 2 Corinthians 1:1-6 was someone who had lost a loved one or had known some heartbreaking Blessed be the God . . . loss. Returning without any mustard who comforts us . . . , seed, she exclaimed, “How selfish I that we may be able to have been! Sorrow is common to all.” comfort those who are “Ah,” said the philosopher, “you have in any trouble.

— 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 learned a valuable lesson. Because you know sorrow, you can sympathize with others and comfort them. And when you do, your own sorrow will be lessened.”

Someone has written, “Sorrow can lead us into one of four lands: the barren land in which we try to escape from it; the broken land in which we sink under it; the bitter land in which we resent it; or the better land in which we bear it and become a blessing to others.” To enter that better land, we must stop focusing on our own sorrows, accept God’s comfort in them, and reach out to others in need.

The best comforters are those whom God has comforted and who are willing to comfort others. —Henry Bosch When we’ve felt the oil of God’s comfort, Which dresses our wounds like a balm, We’re able to comfort the hurting And help them be patient and calm. — Anon.

Week Four Sunday

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God comforts us to make us comforters, not just to make us comfortable.

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Today’s Bible Reading — 2 Corinthians 1:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted

by God. 1

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

5

INSIGHT If times of physical pain don’t accomplish anything else in our lives, those times should at least make us sensitive to others when they hurt. Yet, there is still no greater comforter than God Himself.

Notice, He is the God of comfort and the source of comfort. He comforts us, and encourages us to comfort others who hurt. And the root of that comfort? How amazing that the foundation for our comfort in suffering is the suffering of Christ on our behalf.

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FOUR CERTAINTIES As you have read and considered the truths found in the Scriptures, we trust it has reassured you of the goodness and greatness of God and of His love and care for you—even in these difficult times. God’s goodness and greatness give us hope and encouragement when life hurts. With that in mind, please take a few moments to think through the four certainties mentioned at the beginning of this booklet.

God gives you reason to hope If you are a sick or suffering follower of Jesus Christ, you can look beyond your present difficulties to a bright future.

As God’s child, you are destined to receive a new, glorified body and to live forever in heaven.

The apostle Paul drew comfort from his expectation of resurrection and eternal glory. After reaffirming the fact of Christ’s resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, he pointed out that we too will receive resurrection bodies like the one Christ has (vv.20-58). This truth sustained him in his service for the Lord. In a spirit of joy and optimism he wrote: We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:1).

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We may not react to these words with much enthusiasm.

We want healing in the here and now. But when we let ourselves think this way, we are looking at life from the vantage point of those who have no real hope of heaven. We need to remind ourselves that we will live forever in a wonderful new world! When we really grasp this truth, we can share the victorious attitude expressed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4.

Indeed, we will “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).

God hurts when you hurt The second biblical certainty from which we can draw great strength is the knowledge that God is suffering with us. He is our loving heavenly Father. He hurts when we hurt. The psalmist said, “As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).

The truth that God hurts when we hurt found full expression when it was revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. He is Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). He, the second person of the eternal Trinity, became a member of our humanity. He suffered everything we can suffer. He was misunderstood and misrepresented. He was falsely accused. He was betrayed by a close companion and forsaken by His closest friends. He was scourged. He was forced to carry a heavy wooden beam on His lacerated back.

He was nailed to a cross. And even as He hung on it, He endured the taunts of mockers.

Why did He do all this? Couldn’t He have paid the price for our sins without going through all of this humiliation and abuse? It seems He underwent all this added pain and humiliation for two reasons: to reveal God’s heart (2 Corinthians 4:6), and to become our sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15-16). God had always hurt when His people hurt. But He did so in a real, tangible manner through the Incarnation— through the event that began in Bethlehem.

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God knows why you’re suffering A minister who learned he had cancer was displeased with God’s ways. He told a friend, “I can’t understand why God let this happen to me. I’ve served Him faithfully. I’m not nurturing a secret sin. I’ve taken care of my body. I keep my weight under control. I don’t think I deserve this.”

His protests remind us of those raised by Job almost 4,000 years ago. He hurled out the word why a total of 16 times.

He even listed 12 ways in which he had been a moral, honest, kind, and loving man (Job 31:1-14).

But God never answered Job’s questions. Nor did He answer this query as it came from the lips of my minister friend. However, God did something better. He gave them the assurance that He knew why.

Sometimes we can answer the question why. It is always good to search our hearts to see if we bear some blame for our pain. We may be sick because we have not obeyed commonsense rules of health. It is also possible that our illness is the result of God’s chastening because of sin in our lives (1 Corinthians 11:29-30; Hebrews 12:6). If we know we have been living disobediently, we must repent. God may give us healing when we do.

However, we often can’t find specific answers to our why questions. But God does not leave us completely in the dark.

He has shown us that even unexplained suffering has a valuable purpose.

• Suffering silences Satan (Job 1–2).

• Suffering makes us more like Christ (Philippians 3:10).

• Suffering teaches us to rely on God (Isaiah 40:28-31).

• Suffering enables us to exercise our faith (Job 23:10).

• Suffering brings rewards (1 Peter 4:12-13).

We may not know which reason for suffering fits our situation. But God does.

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God is in control God has everything under His control. He may allow the devil to test you by making you sick. He may permit you to suffer great pain through an accident caused by carelessness or through a vicious attack by an evil person. These unpleasant events try us and may even tempt us to sin, but we can rest in the following assurance: No temptation [test] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

No matter what your trial, no matter how great your pain or grief, your heavenly Father loves you. He may heal you miraculously. If not, He will be with you and someday take you to heaven. He has your ultimate welfare in view.

If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you can face your trials calmly and hopefully. You can pray with absolute assurance that God will heal you, if doing so will bring glory to Himself and further your eternal welfare. If He doesn’t make you well, He will give you His wonderful grace and use the affliction for good.

If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ, do so today. Acknowledge your sinfulness and your inability to save yourself. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for sinners and that He rose again. Then put your trust in Him. Believe that He did it for you. He will forgive you, make you a member of His family, and give you eternal life. He will take care of you through all time and eternity.

Adapted from Does God Want Me Well? Š 1989, 1997, 2002 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan.