trials

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

1Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Chapter 4 of 1Peter began with the suffering of Christ and ends with the honor we have as His children to suffer for His glory. These last three verses continue to expand on the blessings of being God’s children, and even though difficulties may arise because of our faith, the outcome is our righteousness in Christ. But what about those who are not of the household of God? Our hearts should be moved towards compassion. God allows His children to be disciplined through adversity yet continues to care for them; those who are not His will suffer far more, facing eternal destruction.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. We are to expect judgment. The Greek word used is krima, meaning a decision - the function or the effect, for or against; avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, and judgment. “… the severe trial which would determine character”, … “trials test the value of our profession”, Barnes. If we are not guilty, having trusted in the work of Christ on the cross, then the trials we face will be used for our correction and instruction, to strengthen our faith and trust in God, for our sanctification.

1Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

… and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

To those who are guilty, having rejected Jesus, the trials that come upon them are for their ultimate destruction resulting in condemnation for eternity. Compare the outcome for both the saved and unsaved:

1Peter 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

The choice – eternal blessing or endless pain and suffering.

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? How miserable, how dreadful will be the end of all those that would not obey the gospel! Implying, that they shall be in a much worse condition if God take them in hand. If he spare not his children, much less will he his enemies. If the one sip of the cup of God's wrath, the other shall wring out the dregs, and drink them”, Ps 75:8. Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Consider. Judgment will happen. Will we be approved by God, having a genuine faith and trust in Jesus? Or will our ‘faith’ be discredited, showing us to be hypocrites, disobedient to God’s word?

Romans 2:5-10 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 25:32-34 "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Consider. A good parent would not allow their child to be undisciplined. They would correct their mistakes, punish their sin, and bring to notice their unyielding ways. All because the parents know that their loving guidance will prove to help them in the future. Think how much more our perfect loving Father will correct his children who wander off the path of righteousness. There is solace in knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sin. Even through trials, we are assured that God’s hand will hold us secure, that His love is victorious, and we can endure in His strength.

There is no lasting security in anything other than the name of Jesus.

1Peter 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Peter uses a quote from Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

The Christians were to travel through many perils, and the circumstances around them would render difficulties at every turn, yet those who prevailed would be saved because of God’s perfect plan. Think of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Only through His suffering could any be called righteous. Think of your own testimony and the circumstances which led you to accept Jesus as your Savior. Often, it is through problems which seem heavier than a mere human can possibly bear. If it is through so much trial that those who are inclined to truth are saved, imagine the suffering that will come upon those who reject Jesus.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Read this remark penned by Spurgeon, “A solemn question! Answer it, each one of you, if you are still unsaved. Where will you appear? Oh, be wise, and fly to Jesus; enlist beneath his banner, cost you what it may. May the Lord lead you to do so”.

1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

The bottom line: For those who insist on following sin there is awaiting eternal condemnation. But for those seeking to follow God, even though tested, they can trust in His perfect plan.

1Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Psalm 37:5-6 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness, that He will guide you through all difficulties for His glory?

1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Going back to the beginning of this Chapter, Christians are to expect trouble yet also can expect the protection of God’s hand on their lives here on earth and for eternity. In the meantime, we are to love one another, encourage one another, be hospitable towards one another, and serve one another with the gifts and strengths God has given, knowing this is God’s plan and His will prevails. We are to make certain our speech glorifies God and even through trials we are to keep on rejoicing, looking to God’s future glory and the promise of our salvation. We will suffer difficulties because of our union with Christ but we are to make certain our suffering is not of our own sin and waywardness.

“In this great work, watchfulness, prayer; faith, and obedience, are indispensably necessary. He who does not walk with God here cannot see nor enjoy him hereafter”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Carefully read 1Peter 4:19 again –

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

When I read this, I am reminded that I simply do not need to understand everything – the why, the what, the how or even how come. Where I need to put my energy and thoughts is in trusting that God not only has all things in His hands but that He is doing, and will do, everything according to His plan, at the perfect time, in the perfect way, for His ultimate glory and our good. So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

Matthew 7:9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give a snake, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Romans 8:28;31 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm 56:10-11 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2Corinthians 5:5-7 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight--

To entrust our souls to God means that we present ourselves to Him for protection. The KJV reads, “commit the keeping of their souls”. This is a continuous action – keep on committing, and is a banking term as in ‘to deposit’. This same term is used in 1Timothy 1:18, 2Timothy 2:2, and Luke 23:46.

1Timothy 1:18-19 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

2Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Luke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

Be reminded of who it is you are trusting – your faithful Creator. Jesus’ example was to trust the Father.

When I read this, calm enters my soul. Rest, peace, and assurance flood out any thoughts of confusion, anxiousness, and fear. Our faithful Creator, our Father, the One who knows us best and died for us because He loves us more than we can imagine, is taking care of us. We are unable to save ourselves; we are unable to save our souls; God alone is able.

We can place ourselves confidently in our Creator’s hands. God will always fulfill His promises to those who are seeking to follow Him. As we continue trying to do what is right, serving one another in His strength, we can be certain God will take care of the rest.

“As our Creator we may come to him, and look to him for his protection and care. He made us. He had a design in our creation. He so endowed us that we might live for ever, and so that we might honour and enjoy him. He did not create us that we might be miserable; nor does he wish that we should be. He formed us in such a way that, if we choose, we may be eternally happy. In that path in which he has appointed us to go, if we pursue it, we may be sure of his aid and protection. If we really aim to accomplish the purposes for which we were made, we may be certain that he will show himself to be a "faithful Creator;" one in whom we may always confide”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“A faithful creator; able and willing to sustain, comfort, and bless them under all trials, and in due time to save them with an everlasting salvation”, Family Bible Notes.

John Wesley’s Notes gives a good summary of 1Peter 4:19 –

Let them that suffer according to the will of God- Both for a good cause, and in a right spirit.

Commit to him their souls- (Whatever becomes of the body) as a sacred depositum.

In well doing- Be this your care, to do and suffer well: He will take care of the rest.

As unto a faithful Creator- In whose truth, love, and power, ye may safely trust.

Lord, keep us from sin, help us to remain focused on doing Your will through serving others well, let us not become distracted by sin around us or the ill-meaning of others, preserve us in holiness for Your glory. Whatever we may suffer here on earth, let us remember it is temporary; our eternal home awaits.

“Observe here, 1. A cautionary direction given, that in all our sufferings we take care that we suffer according to the will of God: that is, for what is according to God's will, either to be believed or practised by us, for asserting and maintaining the purity of the Christian doctrine and worship; and when our patience under such sufferings is as extensive and intensive as God requires, when our patience is as large and as lasting as our troubles, then may we be said to suffer according to the will of God.

Observe, 2. The special privilege allowed to such sufferers as suffer according to the will of God: they may commit the keeping of their souls to God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Learn hence, 1. That when men suffer really and truly for well-doing, they may with confidence and great assurance commit their lives, and all that is dear unto them, to the special care of the divine providence; either God will keep us from, or support us under, trials, when we thus commit ourselves to him”, William Burkitt New Testament.

Don’t Be Surprised – Keep on Rejoicing!

God’s glory revealed! Imagine. Truly, we are unable to conceive of the joy awaiting us.
We are here, on this earth, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. We have been given the privilege to stand for Him now, and in eternity we will bow before His throne of grace.

Before we begin 1Peter4:12-13, here’s a quick review of the Apostle’s words to the church in 1Peter 4:1-11.

Looking to Christ’s example, have the same purpose (v.1)

Live for God’s will (v.2)

Put off the desires of the world (v.3-5)

Keep your focus on Jesus (v.6)

Use discernment in your decisions and pray (v.7)

Fervently love one another, encouraging one another (v.8)

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (v.9)

Serve with whatever gifts and strengths you have (v.10)

Be careful to speak Truth, serve in God’s strength for His glory (v.11)

The next two verses in 1Peter 4 give us instruction on what not to do and what we should do – Do not be surprised and Keep on rejoicing. We should not be surprised that our faith is tested; we should rejoice that our faith is tangible.

1Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

How do you most often respond to trouble? According to the scripture above, how should you respond to trouble?

Much of the time we are surprised with a sudden development of trouble. We go along with our day, fulfilling our responsibilities, and then the bottom drops out of the box! At this point we either take a deep breath and look to our Savior’s strength, or we hyperventilate and run around in a frenzy wondering what we are supposed to do. Our entire focus can change very quickly. It is easy to live for God’s will, keep our eyes on Jesus, be steadfast in our love for one another and serve in God’s strength, when the sun is shining! When the storms come, when we are challenged, when circumstances take a turn for the worse, we forget our purpose.

The Apostles’ warning to the church and to us – expect trials! Be prepared to respond well, knowing that your testing will grow discipline in your life. Trials allow God’s children to understand in a small way, what Christ did for us. Growing in our likeness of Jesus is painful; our testing can affect every fiber in our body and mind, yet our soul should be filled with joy that we are in the process of being transformed.

Beloved. Notice how the Apostle addresses his brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a term of endearment. He includes himself with them in his exhortation to act with patience and integrity under persecution. When our brothers and sisters in Christ are in the midst of difficult circumstances, we should come alongside them. The Apostle understands the difficulties and struggles these believers are facing. Being reminded of our purpose gives us hope. Knowing we are in this together gives us courage.

Using the term beloved highlights the Apostle’s relationship with these believers. Beloved is a word of kindness and inclusion. This brings to my mind two things. First, the description of love’s characteristics in 1Corinthians 13; second, that this exhortation relates to all those who follow Christ. Peter is not without the same struggles and testing of those he is addressing.

1Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

The kindness spoken of in 1Corinthians 13 is motivated by sympathy and understanding. It desires others to benefit. Peter is not scolding, neither is he being critical; he is showing an honest concern for the troubles his peers are facing. He is holding out an understanding hand. The Apostle places himself with them, not above.

Think of Jesus’ example. He came to earth as man, willingly choosing to lay aside His deity. He was still God but chose to interact as man not excluding Himself from the same troubles and temptations. He felt pain, sorrow, frustration, and abandonment.

Philippians 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Jesus understands our struggles. The Apostle Peter was shown this very example by Christ Himself. In Matthew 14:31, Jesus took hold of Peter’s hand when he began sinking while walking on the water. Jesus indeed rebuked Peter for his lack of faith, but He also held him up and walked with him; He did not just leave him sinking on his own.

Think! Do you come alongside others to encourage them, or do you hold yourself distant? Are you seeking to get from others or to give to others? There is a term called a “fair-weather friend”. This description is of someone who is by your side until trouble hits, then they are nowhere to be found! Remember the several accounts of the disciples who kept themselves scarce while Jesus was arrested?

Matthew 26:56 "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." Then all the disciples left Him and fled. (Also vs. 69)

Our text reads do not be surprised. Literally, think it not strange. We are to expect trouble! It was not unusual for those who followed God to be persecuted. We are extremely blessed to have freedoms in our Country which allow our faith to be practiced and proclaimed. At this point in history, most of us do not suffer any real persecution for our faith, yet the world and its offerings provide plenty of temptations that draw us away. When things are going well, it may be easy for us to forget we are in a battle with sin. As a result, we are surprised when difficulties unfold even though we are told to expect problems. When we expect something to happen, we prepare in advance. So, for myself, when I am caught off guard with a difficult circumstance, it is a lack of remembering I am in a fight and a lack of preparing my heart each day and moment with the armor needed for the fight. Think! How do you prepare for potential problems? We think it wise to prepare for all sorts of catastrophic events – we know they will happen; we just don’t know when. Likewise, we are to expect trouble because of our faith – we are to be prepared for spiritual attack, so we are not caught off guard. This truth calls for action on our part. We are to think ahead how we will respond in holiness when our faith is tested.

Peter reminded the church to not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among them, meaning calamities or trials. This is the picture of something igniting a problem, referring to a severe trial. Liken this to the fire used to test metals removing their impurities. ‘Fiery ordeals’ relates to persecution as a direct result of faith in Christ.

2Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Which comes upon you for your testing. Putting to proof by experiment, experience, discipline, or provocation; adversity; temptation. In this context, it means to try one’s faith for its quality.

Think! What do you do when you test something? Why are things tested?

1Corinthians 3:12-13 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.

1Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Consider. As a believer, you have been saved from God’s wrath. You are in the process of being sanctified – being rid of impurities – in order to be presented pure and spotless. Accordingly, should testing come as a surprise?

Colossians 1:21-22 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-

When we look at verse 13 of 1Peter 4, we are reminded that our focus is to be on the hope we have for our future. Even in the midst of suffering and persecution, Peter is guiding the church’s thoughts to their purpose in Christ. If we look to the example of Jesus, we will expect trials, or the testing of our faith. Think! If we have never been challenged to remain steadfast through difficulties, we might need to examine our sincerity in Christ – are we truly saved? Are you being transformed?

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Today, we look at the cross and are reminded of the power of Christ over sin and death. In biblical times, especially in the Roman empire, the cross was a symbol of certain death by crucifixion. The words in the above verse are more than just accepting hardship, they are a statement of denying oneself for the purpose of Christ. Are we willing to die to ourselves in order to follow His Truths? What might this look like in your circumstances?

The struggles, difficulties, challenges, and testing, of our faith does not occur haphazardly. They are purposed by God in order to grow us in our understanding and likeness of Jesus. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that we encounter trouble. We can easily separate ourselves from the saints of old, thinking that was then, this is now. However, the need for salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection is the same today as it was almost 2,000 years ago. People are still prideful, living for self, focused on their own glory, rather than obedience to God. Sin is still present and persuades us to its offerings. The testimonies we have of Christian persecution is real – if it happened then, it will happen now.

Regard the difference between testing and destroying. We are not afflicted in order to be wiped out. We are tested in order to examine the character of our faith; to determine its strength to stand firm; to prove its truth and genuineness in our heart.

What does it mean to ‘share the sufferings of Christ’? Everyone on earth suffers in one way or another at one time or another. But, suffering and ‘sharing the sufferings of Christ’ are different. The latter produces hope where the former has no hope at all. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ confirms our relationship with Him, our righteousness only found in Him, and our future resurrection from the dead, both body and soul restored in His likeness for eternity. The suffering we experience in this world is temporary; in God’s strength and guidance of His Holy Spirit, we can hang on while we look to our eternal future in heaven.

Philippians 3:8-11 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

John 15:20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Peter urges the church to keep on rejoicing. Not for the trouble itself, but for the opportunity to prove that their faith was real, and for the assurance given them for their future. The joy experienced here may be mixed with pain and heaviness but one day will be pure elation. In the event we are chastised or ridiculed, overlooked, or even mistreated because of our stand for Jesus, we should respond with joy that we are indeed followers of Christ and are not conformed to this world.

Think! Are you willing to take a stand for Christ? When you are ostracized for your beliefs, are you still able to rejoice in the Truths you know?

Go back to 1Peter 1:6 and circle the word rejoice. Do the same for Matthew 5:12.

Luke 6:22-23 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. "Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

Acts 5:41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. (This is after Peter and the apostles were accused and flogged for teaching about Jesus. Flogging or scourging was a usual punishment in the Roman empire. Typically, the accused were stripped of clothing then tied to a frame and beaten with rods.)

Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

Romans 8:17-18 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

2Corinthians 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

“That I may know Him. That I may be fully acquainted with His nature, His character, His work, and with the salvation which He has wrought out. It is one of the highest objects of desire in the mind of the Christian to know Christ. … And the power of His resurrection. That is, that I may understand and experience the proper influence which the fact of His resurrection should have on the mind. That influence would be felt in imparting the hope of immortality; in sustaining the soul in the prospect of death, by the expectation of being raised from the grave in like manner; and in raising the mind above the world. … One of the things which a Christian ought most earnestly to desire is, to feel the power of this truth on his soul – that His great Redeemer has burst the bands of death; has brought life and immortality to light, and has given us the pledge that our bodies shall rise.” Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary

Philippians 3:10-12 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Lastly, the purpose or result of your rejoicing is that at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. This is exceeding joy, then you shall exult. Think extreme elation, triumph!

1Peter 1:8 speaks of Joy inexpressible and full of glory in our response to the salvation of our souls and the love we have for Christ.

God’s glory revealed! Imagine. Truly, we are unable to conceive of the joy awaiting us.

We are here, on this earth, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. We have been given the privilege to stand for Him now, and in eternity we will bow before His throne of grace.

“By such exhortations as these the heroes of the cross were trained to endurance, so that they defied death, and torments worse than death. Have we any of their brave spirit?” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:21;34 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' … "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

2Corinthians 4:8-18

An Earnest Effort and Desire

Consider the lengths you will go to pursue an interest.

Peter, a fisherman turned follower of Jesus, wrote the epistle of 1 Peter to Christians he referred to as strangers – either having left the tradition of Jewish law or heathenism, they did not ‘belong’. Their home was no longer considered earthly but heavenly, so in this sense they were strangers and foreigners. They were driven from their countries, experienced opposition, and trials, and were tempted to return to their former beliefs. Certainly, this would avoid persecution.

However, these Christian converts were reminded of the grace which they possessed in Jesus Christ. Even in difficulties and afflictions, peace could be found because of their hope, because of God’s protection, because there was joy for the future, because of their proven faith. This was all for God’s glory, looking to the end goal which was the salvation of their souls. Peace was afforded to them amid trials on earth and promised through eternity.

In verses 10 and 11, the Apostle clarifies some facts regarding salvation, using the example of the prophets who had lived before them.

1Peter 1:10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that [would come] to you made careful search and inquiry,

The prophets had much less evidence than we have today. There is security in knowing that someone else has tried something before us and proclaimed it to be worthwhile. Picture a couple of children sitting at a table with their lunches. All are served a meal that is new to them. Everyone is hesitant to try it until someone else takes a taste. Then they are encouraged because one of their own says it is okay. Consider clinical trials for different treatments of disease. Decisions are based on the results of trials. There is value in someone having gone before you with proven results.

Verse 10 begins with the words, “Of which salvation” (KJV), or “As to this salvation” (NASB). The NIV translation says, “Concerning this salvation” which begins a clarification of what Peter is encouraging the believers to hold fast to – their faith, the salvation they already have, and the advantages of God’s grace in their lives. His reasoning is that the prophets, having less information, made careful examination of the revelations given to them, and were able to conclude that grace under the Messiah was superior to the law. God gives abundant grace to His children now and forever. In direct contrast to the Old Testament Law, which was based on works, grace is something freely given with no connection to being earned or deserved.

Apply It! It is good to examine what we believe. The Bible tells us the prophets made careful search and inquiry. They sought to understand the meaning of what they heard. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says, “they themselves did not know the time when these things were to take place, nor the people among and by whom He was to suffer … they therefore inquired accurately or earnestly, and searched diligently, inquiring of others who were then under the same inspiration, and carefully searching the writings of those who had, before their time, spoken of these things”.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek [Him by] prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'And you will seek Me and find [Me,] when you search for Me with all your heart.

Do you search to know more fully the meaning of your salvation?
Do you attempt to discover the truths in God’s word to understand the gift you have in Christ?

Pause for a moment and consider your own actions towards growing in your knowledge and love for God. When I initially wrote this, we were ten weeks into a ‘safer at home’ mandate to slow the spread of Covid 19. During that time, formal activities of fellowship and gathering had stopped. Online services and zoom meetings had become the norm and led to opportunities to continue to grow in the faith and pursuit of Christ. This is good and shouts out a loud praise for technology.

Yet, what if this technology were not available? Would your growth stagnate?

Are you solely dependent on others to move your walk forward?

The actions of enquiring <ekzeteo> and searching diligently <exereunao> demand personal attention.

‘Enquire’ in 1 Peter 1:10, means to search out, investigate, crave, demand, worship, to seek after carefully and diligently. To search diligently means to explore. I love this picture – searching to uncover something!

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “The words are strong and emphatic, alluding to miners, who dig to the bottom, and break through not only the earth, but the rock, to come to the ore.”

Along with the many opportunities to continue to grow and be held accountable, there are also unfortunate opportunities to withdraw and become complacent and discouraged. A genuine understanding of the grace and mercy shown through Jesus Christ and the hope we have for the future, does not coincide with complacency. Our faith is responsive to circumstances surrounding us, causing us to look even more intently at our purpose. If God has called you to His arms, there is no need for despair at any time.

Is your response through trials one of growth and perseverance?

Finish strong, press forward, and diligently search the Scriptures to grow in your faith of Jesus’ redemptive grace. Be convinced, not only by relying on others teaching, but by your own careful examination.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.

Psalm 63:1 (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 119:2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all [their] heart.

1Peter 1:10-11 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that [would come] to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

The prophets made careful search and inquiry –

Seeking to know who (who would the promised Messiah be like, what would He act like?)

Seeking to know when these things would occur

When would the events leading up to this time take place? The prophets taught others of the coming Messiah and the salvation He would offer. Through the Spirit’s guidance, they were directed to truth.

The example we have is to be seeking to understand God more, focused on the future fulfillment of Christ’s church and His ultimate glory. We have the blessing of having the account of Jesus’ ministry on earth, of His death and resurrection, of the preaching of the Gospel going forth, and of the history of the church being established. Jesus will return and He will establish His eternal Kingdom.

Look closely at what it means to seek something. It takes effort, an earnest desire to attempt to gain knowledge or reach a goal. Consider the lengths you will go to pursue an interest you have. Time, energy, resources, focus, planning, and thought are poured into those things that matter to us. It also takes diligence and commitment. If I am committed to feeding my body each day yet lack the commitment to feed my soul, what does this say about my priorities or what is most important to me?

What occupies most of your time? Are you intent on growing in your understanding and knowledge of your Savior?

As mentioned earlier, we have the great advantage of God’s completed written word. Jesus Christ has come as foretold, He suffered, died, and ascended into heaven. We are now looking towards His future return and eternal kingdom. Read the following account of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the foretelling of His future return.

Acts 1:9-11 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

The Old Testament saints were anticipating the coming of their Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

We anticipate His return. Christ will come again.

Revelation 1:7-8 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

We have information – the certain prediction of Jesus coming back to earth, of setting up His kingdom, which if you are saved, you will be a part. Peter was able to write of the hope of our salvation because men were willing to speak about it.

Do others know what you believe?

Proven Faith

There is a difference between simply acknowledging facts versus trusting in them to be true. The first is intellectual assent, the second is heart embraced.

Peter, self-described as an apostle of Jesus Christ, addressed this letter to those who were chosen by God. Peter reminds these Christians they have been saved for a reason – to live in obedience to Christ. They are referred to as aliens, not belonging to this world, but rather having their sights on their eternal home in heaven. Christ’s redemptive work in their lives afforded an abundance of peace even in the midst of a harsh and chaotic world.

The Apostle offered hope to these dispersed Christians in 1 Peter 1:2b, “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure”. He then proceeded to list the reasons why they could have grace and peace even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Because they have a living hope (v.3)
Because they have an inheritance in heaven (v.4)
Because they are protected by God’s power (v.5)
Because they can rejoice in trials as they focus on the truths he has previously shared.

Peter goes on to explain the reason and benefits of trials. Understanding the purpose of trials causes believers to have joy, not because of hardships, but because of their lasting result. Therefore, joy is experienced through trials because …

Trials prove our faith (v.7)

1Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

The blessings of being born again, of our hope because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the certainty of our heavenly home, and the protection of God’s power to sustain us for salvation, are reasons we can be joyful. Even in the midst of trials and sorrow, nothing is able to touch our glorious future. There is more – trials prove our faith and the proof of our faith is valuable. In fact, the proof of our faith is desirable, something we should want. We do not glory in the difficulty but rejoice in the result.

Is your faith real?

You may think this question has an obvious answer. Yet consider these thoughts.

In order to be real, there must be actual facts that verify the existence of your faith. Words are simply not enough.
Having real faith means you are worthy of bearing the name of Christian – a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ.
Being real, means you do not take your relationship with Christ lightly – it is of utmost importance, permeating all aspects of your life.
Real faith is capable of being treated as fact. In other words, what supports your claim of faith in Christ in your own life? Consider your words, thoughts, actions, purpose.
Genuine faith will produce a character of faith with your desires and motivation focused on pleasing God.
Real faith is literal and will be reflected in the character of one who follows Christ

A faith that is not real will be lacking in its genuineness. It will not correspond to truths in God’s word. There is a difference between simply acknowledging facts versus trusting in them to be true. The first is intellectual assent, the second is heart embraced. Let us look a bit closer at these two possibilities.

Intellectual assent uses the rational mind to decide if something might work or might be true. It involves fact gathering and a conclusion based upon those facts. There is no heart response or life-changing revelation. Intellectual assent is merely the acknowledgement of information to be true. Only knowing who God is will not save you. Man can think so highly of his intellect and reasoning that it becomes difficult to recognize his need of a Savior.

Fully embracing something with your heart involves knowledge with trust. It means understanding the facts and adopting them as your own. It is humbly accepting that you need something and are unable to provide the answer. It is realizing that however intelligent you may be, it is impossible to fully understand God’s ways. We need to minor in self and major in Christ.

True faith is placing your complete trust in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, claiming His sacrifice as your key to heaven. The word faith <pistis> is explained as the moral conviction and reliance upon Christ for salvation. It is the assurance that what God says is true. Therefore, sincere faith involves a confidence in the truth of God’s word. This is only possible through God’s grace working in the lives of His children.

The proof of our faith is more precious than gold. The KJV says it is much more precious than gold. Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives us a clearer understanding of the properties of gold. “Gold is defined by chemists to be the most perfect, the most ductile, the most tenacious, and the most unchangeable of all metals… When exposed to the action of the fire it becomes red hot before it melts, but in melting suffers no alteration; but if a strong heat be applied while in fusion, it becomes of a beautiful green color. The continual action of any furnace, howsoever long applied, has no effect on any of its properties… Gold is so very tenacious that a piece of it drawn into wire, one-tenth of an inch in diameter, will sustain a weight of 500lbs. without breaking”.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have [its] perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

When we seek to glean a small understanding of gold being refined by fire in order to purify it, we can begin to understand the necessity of trials in our lives. In addition, when we understand the reason for trials, our response is thankfulness and peace for the work God is performing in strengthening our faith. Revisit the beginning of this section of scripture. 1 Peter 1:2b May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. God’s work in your heart, the reflection of His love in your life, a heart of gratitude in understanding the gift of your salvation, and the quietness in your heart that stems from a secure future no matter the turmoil around you, are the hallmarks of a soul that fully relies upon God. This is the precious proof of your faith. Your faith will be tested in one form or another.

Will it be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ?

Job 23:10 "But He knows the way I take; [When] He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Proverbs 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

2Thessalonians 1:11-12 To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Check the genuineness of your faith. Is it mixed with imposters of pride, selfishness, or worldliness? Is it something kept for ‘emergencies’? Is your faith used only as a security blanket?
What is your reaction to trials? Do you persevere in serving God? Do you complain? Do you think “poor me”, desiring others’ attention and pity?
Does your faith sustain your joy in all circumstances?

Read Matthew Poole’s Commentary of 1 Peter 1:7, “He compares the faith of the saints with gold, and argues from the less to the greater … If men do so far esteem their gold, that they will make the excellency and preciousness of it appear by trying it in the fire, which purgeth away the dross, and discovers the goodness of the metal; no wonder if God will have the faith of the saints (more precious to him than gold is to men) tried by afflictions, that the excellency of it may more fully be discovered”.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

We cannot miss the encouraging words of Jesus’ return. The desire is that our faith, having been tested for its genuineness, will result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:31 "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.

Acts 1:11 and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

Heat is applied to gold to rid it of its impurities. Only what is valuable is left after being in the furnace. Yet even pure gold will eventually be worn away. I have a few gold rings, a few more than 100 years old, that belonged to past relatives. You can easily tell which ones were worn constantly because the gold bands have become very thin as they have eroded with time. In contrast, as genuine faith is worn and tested by trials, it only becomes stronger.

1Corinthians 15:57-58 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord.

2Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

“His intention in all is most kind and gracious, namely, that the little trial of your faith, which is far more precious and valuable than that of gold which perishes, and wears out in time, though it be tried with fire, and purified to the highest degree; may be found to praise, and honour, and glory, in the great day of the revelation of Jesus Christ, the divine Author and Finisher of our faith, who having himself endured yet sorer trials, will rejoice to applaud and reward the fidelity of his servants in his cause.” Philip Doddridge N.T.

Rejoicing through Trials

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Even though things are difficult, we can rejoice (v.6)

1Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

There is no rejoicing because of difficult circumstances however, we can continue to rejoice in and through trials because of our future and the certain hope we have in Christ. Those who are chosen are able to rejoice in the grace and peace of Christ given to them, because of His mercy (v.3), because of our inheritance reserved in heaven (v.4), because we are protected by His power for salvation (v.5).

The foundation for rejoicing through trials has been laid out for us in the previous verses. Notice the adjective attached to rejoice in verse six – greatly. This is more than just accepting difficult circumstances, it is moving through them with absolute knowledge that in the end all is well with our soul. Consider the account of Horatio Spafford. He survived the great Chicago Fire of 1871 in which he lost most of his real estate investment. Then in 1873, he planned to join his wife and four daughters on a transatlantic cruise after he finished some business. He sent them on their way, and later received tragic news that all four of his children had drowned when the ocean liner was in a freak collision with an iron tanker. Later, approaching the scene of the wreckage, he penned the hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul, (Wikipedia).

Is your soul well, filled with joy because of God’s promises?

Matthew Poole’s Commentary explains rejoicing as “an outward expression of the inward gladness of the heart”. Our hope is based upon what we know for the future – we are saved to glory, where at last we will be safe and secure in the presence of God. Therefore, we are able to greatly rejoice even through the distress of trials. We are able to rejoice in the truth of our present salvation and rejoice in the hope of our future reward. Jump ahead to the words in 1 Peter 1:9, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls”. In comparison to all eternity, our difficult circumstances are for a little while. The KJV translates this phrase to the word season. It literally means puny. Our trials may seem lengthy and overwhelming but this is because our context is wrong. We tend to look at things in the sense of time according to what we understand.

Is it possible we place too much significance on our circumstances here rather than our purpose for God’s future kingdom?

Days, weeks, months, years and decades are the means by which we measure our existence. Yet, our soul is eternal, lasting forever with Christ. Our calendar, compared with eternity, pales in its significance. As a visual, take a sheet of paper and mark a point with the sharp tip of a pencil. That point is our time on earth.

2Corinthians 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

Are trials necessary?

Most of us will encounter difficult circumstances that are unavoidable such as illness, death, and the effects of poor decisions made by others. There are those who have experienced flooding, fires, tornadoes, and all types of weather related disasters. Accidents happen every day; and each of us is touched at one time or another by the folly of man such as gossip, dishonesty, and pride. Certainly, God is able to take any trial away from us yet often He allows difficulties for our good. We may sorrow for the trial itself, but at the same time, we can rejoice in God’s care and the hope of our salvation.

Take a moment to think of the difficult times God has allowed in your life. Trials are designed to change our character.

How has God used challenges in your life to grow you spiritually?

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Not everyone will experience the same trials. We may hear of those who seem to experience difficult circumstances often and we know of those who rarely experience hardship. We definitely do not want to invite trials into our life but when they surface, we are to keep our focus on God’s purpose – the refining of our faith. Therefore, our attitude during difficult times should be one of rejoicing in God’s plan. This is having a smile on your soul and peace in your heart even while tears may be streaming down your face.

“God's design in afflicting his people is their probation, not their destruction; their advantage, not their ruin: a trial, as the word signifies, is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith. This trial is made upon faith principally, rather than any other grace, because the trial of this is, in effect, the trial of all that is good in us. Our Christianity depends upon our faith; if this be wanting, there is nothing else that is spiritually good in us. Christ prays for this apostle, that his faith might not fail; if that be supported, all the rest will stand firm; the faith of good people is tried, that they themselves may have the comfort of it, God the glory of it, and others the benefit of it.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

Read this word picture from William Burkitt’s New Testament Commentary, “As the coldness of the winter kills the weeds in our grounds, so the cold blasts of affliction … kill our corruptions in our souls. Perpetual shinings and fair seasons are reserved for heaven: cold blasts and nipping frosts are needful and useful here on earth …”

We will experience grief through various trials. Yet, nothing here on earth will change the joy we have in our future and in knowing Christ. External circumstances may cause sorrow yet God’s faithfulness is a reason to rejoice always. When difficulties present themselves, either we succumb to temptation or we can choose to persevere in truth, proving the sincerity of our faith.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him.

Peter was writing to the Christians who had been scattered throughout the region as outcasts. They were persecuted and had many temptations to renounce their faith. The reminder to keep focused on their eternal home would help them to remain faithful even while their hearts were heavy. Their faith was being tested.

What is your response when it seems difficult to do the right thing?
Do you succumb to the world or rejoice in the Truth?
Are you able to look at trials as an opportunity to grow in your faith?

Consider this. As a parent, I can remember many times when it would have been easier to ignore a potential problem in the way one of my children were acting or thinking. It was easier to avoid having to discipline. There is no happiness in causing those you love to be discouraged. Yet, love has a responsibility. Real love will allow some difficulty in order to teach and mature. Holding on to this same thought, I often wonder at the immense love my Savior has for me to allow hard circumstances in my life in order to refine my thinking. The fact that God even cares enough about me to know what I need to be strengthened in my faith is mind-boggling. There is a purpose in His plan to cause His children to be more like Him, to gain understanding and to grow in their trust of His promises. I am caused to kneel before Him and thank Him for His great love.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

What comes to mind is that often we need to go through a circumstance knowing that God’s promises are true and He will protect us. God always remains faithful to His character of perfect righteousness, and we can count on His guidance even in our most difficult times.

The eighteenth division of Psalm 119, beginning with verse 137 has been dealing with the perfect righteousness of God and His word. Even in the worst difficulties, we can have confidence in God’s faithfulness. The last two verses contained in this section continue on with the steadfast soul of David clinging to what he knows is true and seeking to find his preservation in God’s testimonies.

Ps 119:143-144 Trouble and anguish have come upon me; [Yet] Thy commandments are my delight. 144 Thy testimonies are righteous forever; Give me understanding that I may live.

You’ve heard the saying “caught between a rock and a hard place”. This is an idiom that basically means you are facing two equally unpleasant, dangerous, or risky alternatives, where the avoidance of one ensures encountering the harm of the other (idioms, thefreedictionary). Wiktionary explains this saying as “having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options; in a predicament or quandary”.

When our Psalmist speaks of trouble, this is the picture he is painting for us. The Hebrew word is tsar meaning narrow, a tight place, an opponent, adversary, affliction, or distress. Isn’t it true that sometimes we may feel there is no place to turn that will accommodate a pleasant outcome? What comes to mind is that often we need to go through a circumstance knowing that God’s promises are true and He will protect us. God always remains faithful to His character of perfect righteousness, and we can count on His guidance even in our most difficult times. David gives us an additional word for his plight: anguish. When I looked this word up in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, I read a similar definition that was given for ‘trouble’ above: a narrow place, confinement. The idea of being disabled by anguish or distress in his trouble is added. I think we are given insight into how pained our Psalmist is in his circumstances. The KJV says, ‘trouble and anguish have taken hold on me’. These are strong words and feelings that describe his suffering.

How do you react when adversity hits you like a ton of bricks, threatening to crush you? What are your options? In what ways are you tempted to react? What is our example?

Ps 119:143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me; [Yet] Thy commandments are my delight.

Incredible! Even in David’s suffering, we see his resolve to claim God’s righteousness and find joy in His truths! God’s commands are the Psalmist’s delight. He finds pleasure in them. If we back up a bit in this same Psalm, we read a similar verse.

Ps 119:77 May Thy compassion come to me that I may live, for Thy law is my delight.

We go through various trials, either from those trying to derail us or from our own foolish or sinful choices. Regardless, we will be tried. Sometimes, our troubles may not even be noticeable to others, they may come from within. We can be distracted in our soul. Do we cling to God’s truths and find delight in His commands in every circumstance? What specific truths can we hold onto that cause us to find joy?

The Gospel. Lu 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
God called you. Jer 15:16 Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
God is faithful, even when we are not. 2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.
God knows all things and sees all things correctly. Psalm 139:1-5
We can trust in His promises. Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

We could go on and on with the above list. As we look upon the truths in God’s word, no matter what troubles we are experiencing, we can find delight. There is repetition of David constantly being drawn to focus on God even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I love the reminder we see in this repetition – We have a need to continuously look to God and His truths and promises even when things seem to overwhelm us. All throughout Psalm 119, the importance of clinging to God’s faithfulness and righteousness is proclaimed.

Ps 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.

Ps 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth.

Read what Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “All this trouble and anguish did not put his mouth out of taste for the comforts of the word of God, but he could still relish them and find that peace and pleasure in them which all the calamities of this present time could not deprive him of. There are delights, variety of delights, in the word of God, which the saints have often the sweetest enjoyment of when they are in trouble and anguish”.

2Co 1:5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

What do we find ourselves thinking about – the riches we have in Christ or our worldly problems? Are we meditating on the word of God and His eternal promise to us?

It is not easy to avoid the vices that cause us to lose hope in this world, yet, hope placed in God is never lost, instead it is certain, absolute. When we feel as if there is no hope, our thinking needs to change. How can our thoughts be redirected? We’ve been given the answer in the next verse of this section in Psalm 119.

Ps 119:144 Thy testimonies are righteous forever; Give me understanding that I may live.

Here is our request to God – “give me understanding that I may live”. God is the one who gives us the mindset to focus on His truths. God is the one who gives us understanding of His promises. God restores our hope, He preserves and protects us, He is our salvation.

We can pray to God for more understanding, more peace, more hope, more strength and anything and everything else needed to continue to live according to His commands, with a heart of joy. We have a promise that we will live forever in heaven! In the meantime, we can count on God’s grace for comfort as we go through trials.

We can spend more time in God’s word for more understanding. What better thing is there to do when you are discouraged or feel like giving up than to go to the source of eternal joy?

Consider. What does forever mean? The Hebrew word owlam means the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind, eternity, everlasting. The word forever in our English language is used in a blasé manner for many things. We use phrases like, “I will love you forever or this or that forever” but what we really mean is, “until a better substitute is found”. We are a finicky people and have good intentions much of the time, but often, we are unable to follow through. God’s forever is vastly different. When we read that His word is righteous forever there is no underlying possibility of change. Therein is our hope. Therein is our joy. God’s children have a promise of life eternal. It is certain and affords us the ability to continue on through any difficult circumstance with a heart centered on Truth.

What is the alternative to having certain hope? Death. Life without God leads to death, eternal separation from Him and all that is true. We are either saved by God’s grace or condemned by our sin.

Review the eighteenth section of Psalm 119.

God is righteous (Ps 119:137); God’s judgments are righteous (Ps 119:138); God’s word is righteous and leads us to a zeal that pines for those who do not follow Him (Ps 119:139); God’s word is pure and leads us to a love for it (Ps 119:140); Even when we feel small and despised, we are upheld by God’s word (Ps 119:141); God’s righteousness is everlasting and true (Ps 119:142); and we can take delight in God’s word no matter the trouble that surrounds us (Ps 119:143).

The above is true joy, joy that is only found in Him, joy that understands that without the precious gift of Jesus Christ, my sin will lead to the certainty of death and separation from God rather than eternal life. The Psalmist understood this. Do you? The Psalmist embraced these truths. Do you?

Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary makes this statement, “all the declarations Thou hast made of Thy will to us are so just and true that they will never fail our expectation: O give me wisdom to order my life according to them! And then it shall not be in the power of my enemies to make me miserable”.

Ps 119:34 Give me understanding, that I may observe Thy law, and keep it with all [my] heart.

Ps 119:66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments.

2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

1Jo 5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

Isa 43:11 "I, even I, am the LORD; and there is no savior besides Me.

“God's testimonies to man cannot be assailed, they are righteous from beginning to end; and though ungodly men have opposed the divine justice, especially in the plan of salvation, they have always failed to establish any charge against the Most High. Long as the earth shall stand, long as there shall be a single intelligent creature in the universe, it will be confessed that God's plans of mercy are in all respects marvellous proofs of his love of justice: even that he may be gracious Jehovah will not be unjust.” Treasury of David

Join with me in praying all the more for understanding of God’s word, for increased love for His truths, that by it we can live in the joy of God’s promises through all circumstances. “Give me understanding that I may live” – this is the gospel. Grasp it, Claim it, Trust in it, and Share it.

Tag: trials

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

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An Earnest Effort and Desire

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Proven Faith

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Rejoicing through Trials

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Between a Rock and a Hard Place