Psalm 114:7-8 (NIV)
Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water.
Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
Can trying circumstances bear fruit? Yes, but not by trying to do it all ourselves. The verses from Psalm 114 remind us how the Israelites complained about lack of water in the desert, surely very trying circumstances. God wanted them to learn to trust that He would look after them and provide for them no matter what. Yet we know it was a lesson they had to learn time and time again, and always complained about it. In this instance God showed them that He could take a hard rock and provide water for them. Is that what God wants to do in our difficult times. He can use them produce spiritual life-giving water, perhaps not just for us, but for those who may face similar trials in the future, or for those watching on who can see God moving through us, even in the midst of the hard time. Will we trust Him enough to provide that without grumbling, or are we like Israel and always ask, “Why me, Lord?”
There are times, particularly when we are finding it hard to stand against the things that seem to be coming at us from all sides, that it’s right to run in to the refuge of God. Nahum reminds us of this. If we were caught in the middle of a thunderstorm with a howling gale whipping up round about us, we would make for shelter as quickly as possible. There are times when we are struggling that its right to do just that. God will never turn us away in these times if our desire is to run to Him for comfort and strength. The circumstances may still be the same and the difficulties may not have gone away, but in God we can find the strength and will to stand. He will allow us that time of rest and recuperation in Him and then we can continue on our way. Too often when we are struggling, we find ourselves looking in other places for help and support. The name of the Lord that is a strong tower has the door of refuge open for us to run into. There is no safer place.
Dear Lord,
Help me to recognise the times when You want me to stand firm in the midst of difficulties, confident that You will provide all I need to sustain me in them, and also when the best and safest thing for me to do is to run to You for the comfort and strength I need to do what You require in the middle of difficult times. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.