Psalm 28:7(NLT) says, “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” This is one of a few scriptures that Karen knew, but she held tightly to it. Her life had not been easy, and there were times that she felt she might literally lose her mind. The pressures were unbelievable, but at one time she had it all…the marriage, career, and the fabulous house. An ugly divorce left her struggling and all the luxuries she once knew and counted on were vanishing faster than she could mentally and emotionally process the loss.
After finding herself not being able to make ends meet with one income, Karen had to make difficult choices between essentials like childcare, food, and whether to pay the light bill or put gas in her car. She had never been in a situation where a rock steady faith in God was no longer an option. With three children and barely making it work from paycheck to paycheck, she had to trust in Him with everything in her being. Her mother had spent Sundays throwing gambling parties, and always told her, “You’re wasting your time trusting in something you can’t see.” But she had gone to church a few times with a childhood friend when she was younger, and the Word she heard made an indelible mark on her mind and heart.
Life is extremely unpredictable. We all hope that the support and comfort we have today will endure, but Jesus Christ warned us about tribulations in John 16:33(NKJV). He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Our peace will forever rest within the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s our way-maker and burden-bearer.
A neighboring church provided a food pantry, shelter, and counseling for struggling families. Karen felt so ashamed when she called them to find out how to get on their waiting list for food services. She couldn’t believe how drastically her life had changed. There were times when she wanted to crawl under a rock, but she kept reminding herself that God was with her. Heavenly Father took her to a place that she could not have imagined. It wasn’t her old life. It was a transformed life, where Jesus Christ was now the head. New relationships were established, and these people were an encouragement and help. She was able to stabilize her family, but the most rewarding blessing was being able to look back over what she had overcome and see that God never left her alone or failed her. She had been strengthened in her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord is our strength and our shield. We must hold to the truth of this reality during our times of tribulation and sorrow. At some point in our lives, we will all find ourselves in the storm. It is the grooming ground for our faith, patience, and endurance. We will see firsthand how God calms the seas and keeps us afloat. The encouragement of 1John 4:16 is that we must know how much God loves us, and no matter what we face, we must place our trust in His love.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Lord is My Strength and My Shield ” written for victoryinjesuschrist.com ©2019. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
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