A lot in life can bring great distress and anxiety to one’s soul. These could include work stresses, interpersonal relationships, business strains, and other mental battles and struggles. The Psalmist, in Psalm 119:50, gives a very straight proclamation saying that God’s promise gives him life in times of his affliction. Isn’t that a great thing to know, that, in our affliction, we can depend on God’s promises? But what are these promises, and what comforts do they bring to the afflicted saint?
The Word of God Spoken to You
Before we dive into the promises, notice what the Psalmist calls God’s ministry, in his words: ‘my comfort’. He does not see it as a random grace expressed to whoever. He describes it as ‘my comfort’. That assurance comes due to a functional connection and relationship with God. He had walked with him (Psalm 23) through different circumstances and knew his God. In the previous verse, Psalm 119:49, the Psalmist states that God had spoken his word already, and therefore he hoped in it (Psalm 119:74, 119:81, 119:147).
Now, God speaks his word to us today through the Bible. Like the ants gather food before winter comes and they have to go into hiding, the believer is supposed to take time and hear God’s voice in scripture through reading, meditating (Joshua 1:8-9), memorizing, and sharing with other believers. More importantly, the believer needs to intentionally keep track of God’s faithfulness over time and be careful to remember what God said and how much he has fulfilled so far.
The Promises of God
In affliction, the Psalmist says that it is the promises of God that give him life. What promises can we look at and cling to in the scriptures amid trials and afflictions?
Peace of Mind
The prophet Isaiah says that God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him (Isaiah 26:3). Afflictions can remove one’s attention from what they need to focus on. Peace does not necessarily come when all these tribulations are taken away from us and we have an affliction-free life. Peace comes when we have confidence that God is working things out despite the prevailing circumstances. The prophet continues to say that though mountains and hills be removed–alluding to things that we never thought would befall us–God’s love and covenant of peace remains (Isaiah 54:10). Jesus promised his disciples that he was going to give them a peace that was different from that which the world gives (John 14:27). The peace that comes from Christ is not to be attached on to material things but to God’s presence.
Refuge for Those Who Trust Him
In times of affliction, one may feel as if the world is swallowing them in or whatever they are going through. In such moments, saints should cling to the Lord all the more, making God their refuge and hiding place. The prophet Nahum says God is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum 1:7). If there is anywhere our souls need to seek refuge, it ought to be in the Lord, our God. He will keep us day and night. Feeling overwhelmed is normal and should be expected, but we all must find our way to the sanctuary of our souls–in the Lord (Psalm 27:5, Proverbs 18:10).
Strength for The Weary
Afflictions can drain out all the energy and motivation for life. Mental and emotional fatigue can drain a person and cause them to despair even in life itself. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that in such moments, God gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). Such a refreshing proclamation! He says again that we should not be dismayed because he will strengthen and uphold us with his mighty hand (Isaiah 41:10). When Paul was caught in affliction and had longed for a long time to come out of it, God reminded him that his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Is it not strange that in our weakness, God says that we are strong in him? Afflictions are heavy for the soul, but are also good at reminding us to depend on God’s goodness. The strength to look to the Lord during such times usually seems elusive, but we must keep calm and patient and trust God to send his strength our way.
Constant Companion
In times of affliction, it’s easy to feel alone. We may feel alone, and no one else is with us. At this point, many people spiral into a state of depression and despair. In this state, some may also feel detached from reality. But that is the battle of the mind that we all must fight, and ask, are we truly alone? Moses reminded the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:8 that, as they stepped out across the Jordan, the one assurance they needed beyond anything else is that the LORD goes before. That is to say that the Lord is already familiar with their path since he has gone ahead of them, and they have nothing to be afraid of. Then Moses adds that he will be with them and affirms that he will not leave or forsake them.
God is a constant companion for the believer, even during affliction. We may not feel or see him physically, but he is there. Moreover, the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 43:2) comes in strong by assuring us that even through the waters, the rivers, and the fire, he is with them. When you hit this phase of affliction where you feel alone, neglected, and dejected, remember that God is your constant company who never leaves. The tribulations may be real, but God should be more dependable than our feelings. David reminds us that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he is with us (Psalms 23:4). Embrace this confident assurance from the Lord today that, despite your status and condition, he is a constant companion.
Rest for The Soul
Finally, in our times of affliction, there is no better news than knowing that we have rest for our souls in Christ (Matthew 11:28). The Lord Jesus Christ calls to us is to ‘Come to me all you who are weary… and I will give you rest.’ We must cling to Christ to have rest for our souls during trying times.
In summary, through our short sojourn on this side of eternity, we can hardly make it through without the comfort of our Lord. The tribulations of this world will easily overwhelm us if we stand by our own strength. May these words of Christ fill your spirit with life whenever affliction beckons: “…in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”