Psalms 119:169-170, 173 Let my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word. Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.
In the midst of troubles, trials, and persecutions is the most dangerous and vulnerable time for us to make decisions and choices. They can be very emotional and confusing times. We get exhausted emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. That is when the devils make their move; just as Satan did when he tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4). However, the psalmist gives us a great example of what is needed in times of trouble. What is needed first and foremost is prayer. The psalmist cries out to the Lord with prayer and supplication, just as we are told to do in Philippians 4:6-7. We cry out to God knowing that He hears us. The same God who heard the cries of His people while they were enslaved in Egypt is the same God who hears the cries of His children today. I was even reminded today that when we do not know how to pray, when we do not have the words to utter, the Holy Spirit knows, helps us in our weaknesses, and intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26). It is because of the Spirit's intercession that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28); and why it ultimately works out to help us be more like Jesus in our response to those who persecute us (Romans 8:29). But how do we get to this place in the midst of despairing times? It begins with the choices we make while walking through the stormy times. First by choosing prayer, but also by choosing to allow God to be our helper, by choosing to follow His Word, with the help of the Spirit. This is the only way that we will get through those times when we are hurt and confused by the actions of others toward us. This is the only way that we will find peace, joy, and strength, when life seems to take a turn down a path we did not ask to be put on, or one that we were put on because we chose to do what the Lord led us to do. The bottom line is that we will always survive the most trying of times when we make the wise choice of letting Jesus be our Helper.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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