Today we’ll read Numbers 28, Luke 23 and Psalm 38 from the God’s Word Translation.

READING

May God bless the reading of His Word.

In today’s reading of Psalms 38, we see a distraught David. Most of the Psalms we have read thus far have shown him either praising God, or when he is in distress, he more than balances it out with affirmations that God will deliver him.

In Psalm 38, we see a man that appears to be desperately crying out to God, and he seems to be at the end of his rope. He still has faith, but he says, “…do not be so distant from me.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there. I know how David feels. I know what it is to wonder when God would step in and bring relief. I knew He would, but like David, I cried out, “Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.”

My friend, take note. There are those whose message is, “God wants you to be successful. God wants you rich. God wants you healthy. God wants you happy. God wants you to be at the top of the mountain. If you are struggling, it’s because you don’t have enough faith.”

When you hear that message, run as fast as you can in the other direction. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” Listen. You can be exactly where you are supposed to be, your faith can be strong, and still difficulties will come your way. We live in a fallen world. Bad things happen, and they don’t just happen to bad people. As a matter of fact, sometimes it seems as if the bad people get all the breaks. Right?

Don’t despair. God sees you in your heartbreak. God knows that you are down to your last nickel, and that bills are due. He knows you’re out of a job. He knows you have cancer. He knows your wife or your husband has been unfaithful. He knows that it’s a struggle to get up in the morning because you laid awake all night, crying out to Him for help.

If that’s you, let me encourage you to hold on. If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on. Jesus said, “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” My friend, the reason we suffer is because all of creation is groaning because of the effects of sin. The world is broken. But Jesus said, “I have *overcome* the world.”

Our time here is short. We are here for only an instant of time. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

I cannot promise that all of your problems will be solved here on this earth, but I do know that you *can* have peace and you *can* have joy in the midst of the problems. Philippians 4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The peace which transcends all understanding. That means that despite your circumstances, you can have peace in your heart *and* in your mind because of Jesus. Knowing and believing and *resting* in what He did for you, brings peace. Peace, peace, wonderful peace.

Believe me, I have been there, and as a matter of fact I am there now. And I know that He is there with me and for me. I don’t have the answers to the problems before me, but I know that He will help me through, somehow. And that is enough for me.

If you’re struggling, take my hand. We’ll walk together as our Savior guides us through.

Have a good Thursday. Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly. I’m Steve Webb.

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