A Pleasant Help

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just grab you by the collar and shake you until everything spins out from the middle and you can't tell up from down?

I am having one of those weeks.  The details of why I am having a bad week aren't important, but let me assure you that I will be glad to see Sunday arrive.

Even as a Christian, it's hard not to wonder at some of things that we see happen to friends and family.  Being a Christian doesn't make me exempt from feeling sadness, grief, discouragement or anger; it doesn't give me a free pass on suffering physically, mentally or spiritually.  Being a Christian doesn't mean that I don't ask "Why"?

Being a Christian means that I have faith that God in His sovereignty is working every circumstance and situation out to His glory and for my ultimate good. Romans 8:28, an oft quoted verse in times of trouble says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  James 1: 2-4 tells me, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Being a Christian means that I have an assurance that you are never alone in any circumstance of life. Consider Isaiah 43: 1&2 - "...do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters,I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you..."  or Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

I remember Nana telling a story about teaching one of her classes a Bible verse.  [Nana taught back in the day when prayer in school was a daily occurance, and the Bible used as a teaching and memorization tool!!]  She was teaching her class Psalm 46:1; "God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble."  One young boy, when called upon to recite quoted, "God is our refuge and strength, a very pleasant help in trouble".  Nana corrected him, but she said that his version of the verse always stayed with her.

Being a Christian doesn't mean I have all the answers, that  I will never experience suffering or grief of any kind; that life will be sunshine and roses.  Being a Christian means that I have a "pleasant help in trouble!"