SCRIPTURE
"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:9-10)
OBSERVATION
Oppression and trouble are facts of living in a fallen world. However, in the midst of all this, God can be a stronghold. He is the safety and stability in world that can feel out of control. But this isn't a given, something that's automatic. The Psalmist reminds us that we need to know Him (a person's name stood for the whole of the person). Only by understanding God's character and who He is will we want to put our trust in Him. He is good, trustworthy, loving, in control, etc. However, it goes one step further than just knowing Him, we have to seek Him. We look for how God is working in the middle of our trials. Here is the tremendous promise...when we seek Him, He will not forsake us, or turn his face from us, but will be there when we need Him the most.
APPLICATION
I'd prefer to have a life without trouble. Honestly it's a pain at times. There is something that is greater than my trials. That something is actually someone...God himself. He is a stronghold. I need to know Him, trust Him, and seek Him, especially in the difficult times of trouble. But I can't start knowing Him, trusting Him, and seeking Him only when times are tough. I need to do that daily, in the in between times. Then I will be prepared to seek Him when difficulties come.
PRAYER
Lord, you are the real God in the midst of the realities of life, even when it's a pain.
