In this Psalm, as the psalmist increases his foothold on the victorious Christian life, we see a truth all of God’s children much grasp if they hope to live victoriously. He realized that the Christian life is not a life of ease, but one of afflictions, persecutions, tribulations, and struggles with the enemies of God. I am afraid many of God’s people have the idea that once they are saved everything is always going to go good, and they will never have any more troubles or problems in life! The fact of the matter is this just isn’t so! The Bible teaches the child of God’s life will be filled with troubles and trials! Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
John 15:19-20 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
One of the steps to the victorious life is realizing trials and troubles will come, but the child of God can live victoriously over the circumstances of life. Notice what the psalmist realized in our psalm:
- God’s people had suffered in their youth (v1)
- God’s people had suffered many times (v2)
- God’s people were afflicted severely (v3)(i.e. they made long their furrows)
- God’s people were hated (v5)
Had that been all he had grasped about the godly life he would have continued to live defeated, but he laid hold to greater truths:
- The enemies had never prevailed! (v2)
- The LORD is righteous (v4)
- The LORD had freed His people from the bondage of the wicked. (i.e. he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked)
What the psalmist realized was God’s people have troubles, repeated troubles, but the Lord does not forsake them, but helps them get through all they face.
Dear child of God notice some promises our Lord has left us.
Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
The trials and troubles will come, but the victorious Christian knows the Lord will help and deliver him.
Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Until next time may the Lord bless.