Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers [them] out of them all. Psalm 34: 19, NKJV.
Holy God, in this time of financial distress that is affecting the world at large, and that has brought about, as a result, many other forms of distresses, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will speak peace to our hearts, as we enter the study of Your Word. Please teach us how we can be channels of deliverance. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
I believe we can all relate to the fact that the time in which we are living is one of “many afflictions.” Because of this, the promise of God’s deliverance is very meaningful, to those who have come to put their trust in the God of all creation. In our individualistic society, this time of affliction is felt, even more, as we seek to put away what we have, for a “rainy day,” even though, right now, there are those, who have an immediate need. In cultures where people have “all things common,” times of financial distress does not affect them in the same way that it affects those in a society based on Individualism. Perhaps, this is a good time for God’s people to listen to His voice, and hear what He will tell us, about the ways we can become His heart, His hands, and His feet, to alleviate some of the suffering in our world.
God’s promise is to deliver “the righteous out of all of [their] afflictions,” not just some. This promise is made to those who are clothed in Christ’s garment of righteousness. During the time of the early church, they also went through times of affliction. At the end of chapter two, we find them living in community, dividing up their possessions, and having all things in common, enjoying favor with all the people (Acts 2: 44-47). But from chapters four and onward, we will find them facing persecution, and many of them losing their lives. Yet, in spite of these difficulties, they took the message of the risen Savior, to the then known, world. They were accused of, “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17: 6).
Today, our situation is quite different to that of the early church, I will dmit. However, I believe that God expects our attitude to be the same. Our vision should be the same; that of touching a soul for Christ. You may have noticed I said touching, not proselytizing. I believe that, if, in times of need, the Church of the living God will reach out and touch people according to their needs, we would truly be channels of deliverance in the hands of God, and God will “add to the church, daily, those that are “being saved” (47). As we work together to meet the needs of others, God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 19).
Listen to some of God’s promises to His people: “[They] shall dwell on high: [their] place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given [them]; [their] waters shall be sure” (Isaiah 33: 16). He has promised to protect us in the time of trouble. He will also supply our physical need.
“I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor [their] descendant begging bread” (Psalm 37: 25).
“A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you . . . Because you have made the LORD who is my refuge, Even the Most High your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you nor shall any plague come near your dwelling place; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91: 7; 9-12).
“You will keep [them] in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because [they] trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever. For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26: 3, 4).
These are only an infinitesimal portion of the wonderful promises of the LORD. He will indeed, deliver us from all our afflictions. “Blessed is the [person] who trusts in Him” (Psalm 34: 8b)!