The Joy (Hebrews 12:2)

Motive is a key factor in a persons life. What we do does not necessarily reveal what we really are, but what motivates us reveals the deepest things about us. 

Jesus had a choice as to whether or not he would pay the price for our redemption. There could have been multiple reasons why he chose to bear and endure the terribleness of the cross, but one reason for certain was because of the joy that was set before him. 

The Scriptures do not exactly define what the joy was, but I like to believe that he was able to look into the far distant future and see the fellowship that we, as redeemed sinners, could have with him and the father. Without the cross, all that joy would have been lost. Joy greater than that of the shepherd with the lost sheep, the woman with the lost coin, and the father with the lost son. It is a joy of complete fullness with the absence of any sorrow. This is what moved Jesus: his deepest love and desire for the father, for us and the joy that we could share.

Refuge for the Oppressed (Psalm 9:9-11)

Events in your life can be difficult.  There are times when these events make you feel crushed, injured or afflicted.  Maybe it was the notice you receive in the mail.  The phone call reporting the auto accident or the talk that you had with your doctor.  Each of these challenges that you may face has you crushed in on all sides.  Each thought of the event is as if a whip was afflicting its cruel punishment upon your injured soul.  There appears to be no way out.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalm 9:9-10)

But God...think of it.  Where else could a person go?  The Psalmist says that God is our refuge.  He is that cleft high up on the rocky cliff.  Nothing can reach us there because it is too high to scale.  In that cleft of the rock, we are safe.  In the midst of our trials, we take refuge in Christ.  Physically we are in the same place, but God lifts our hearts above the turmoil that is oppressing and afflicting us.  

During the troublesome times, it is difficult to recognize God's presence.  He is there and ever present to help us in times of need, but in order for him to work, we must reach out with our souls and cling to him and him alone for help.  Trusting is difficult: a war takes place in the soul between faith and fear.  Fear will always be present, but we trust God when we exercise our faith over our fear. 

All would agree that the best part of a trial is when it is over.  The money problem is solved. The wayward child returns.  The medical treatment was a success.  The relationship was restored.  But It isn't so great because the event has ended.  It is great because we can use our experience with God to encourage and guide others.

Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. (Psalm 9:11)

Trials in life will come, but God wants to bring you through those trials and when they are over, work his aid to others through you.  

With God, you can do this.

Why are all these things happening to me?

You may ask, Why are all these things happening to me?  Life has its ups and downs.  However there are times in our lives that everything seems to turn upside down.  Imagine a family in an economic struggle. They are forced to relocate and in their pursuit face one devastating trial after another.  In the end, sickness and death take their toll.  Why?  Where was God?  I guess if you want to know, you will need to ask Ruth.

Controversial as it may seem, Elimelech and his family moved to Moab.  I don't believe that any of the family members knew exactly what was happening.  Even Naomi when she later returned to Bethlehem didn't quite understand.  However if you spoke with Ruth, you would hear the story of how God used terrible circumstances for a family to rescue her from idolatry and bring her into a relationship with the one and true God.  This family experienced many trials and for many years and maybe because it took that long to turn Ruth's heart.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: (Ruth 1:16)

There are times when people come to Christ after hearing the gospel only a few times, but there are others, who are steeped in false religion, who will need a demonstration of the gospel's power before coming to Christ. So as you experience trials in your life and you have ruled out the chances of sinful consequence or chastisement, your life and its trials may just be a light in a very dark place.  Accept where you are, look for God's grace, and declare to others what he is doing in your life.  You may never find out what God is actually doing or you may discover a Ruth in your midst.

Cut Off From His Sight? (Psalm 31:22)

Trials are always difficult: hence the name trouble or trial.  During such times, we not only are faced with battling the outside circumstances of the trial, but also the battle that takes place within us.  David records his thoughts during such a time when he says, "For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes." (Psalm 31:22)  During the trial, David quickly responded to thoughts in his heart that whatever was taking place was hidden from God.  He may have felt that he was alone, but to believe and respond to such thoughts was inappropriate.  Thanks be to God for his long suffering and mercy in that even thou David had believed wrongfully, God still heard his cry of supplication.

During trials we must remember that we are not cut off from the sight of God.  To encourage us from falling into these thought patterns, God has given us precious promises such as "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5). You may feel like you are cut off from God, but you cannot be because he is always present with you.

He continues to encourage us by sharing his concern for even sparrows and that we are of more value than them.  "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

One of the most encouraging promises from God is that we cannot be cut off from his sight because he knows what our needs are before we even pray.  "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:7-8)

Because God will never leave us, because we are of greater value than birds for which he cares and because he knows what we need before we even pray, we should be encouraged to trust him and believe that while in the midst of our trials, we are not cut off from his sight.

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