At the core of modern life, we find trouble. Trouble finds us during bad decisions, but trouble also waits for us when we do everything right. Often we can’t connect any rhyme or reason for our troubles, although we often strive to point at something as the cause of our issues. Doing such will take us in different directions that simply distract us from the benefit that God provides during our trials.
The Psalmist exemplifies that all trials must be wrapped in a firm knowledge that The Almighty God surrounds any calamity. Our trust in God must be our central focus during trouble, as it focuses the follower of God on their purpose. The 93rd Psalm uses the flood example to remind us that God is always greater no matter what problems arise.
Psalm 93
1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!
5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 93:1–5.
Every person that has ever lived has experienced trouble. Trouble wants us to focus on it, obsess over it, and allow it to dictate every decision. That’s precisely what makes it trouble. The inconvenience and distress that each circumstance brings up can derail any plans we have because if we fixate upon them, they will become the steering wheel of our lives. However, we all must understand that no matter what path we take, whether perfect or problematic, troubles will find their way into our lives. The Psalm begins with a focus on God and finishes with how God is greater than any problem, but right in the middle, the flood waters come. Therefore, problems are a part of life, and it has nothing to do with how we live.
As trouble arises, we lose sight of our purpose because our vision gets distorted when we focus on problems and troubles. When we think more about our problems than our purpose with God, we start thinking about how to gain retributive justice because someone must’ve done this to us. However, trying to obtain revenge for our troubles is sinful and something we must steer clear of doing. The Psalmist guides us through this because even when trouble arises in the midst of our praise, while it may guide us away from worship, prayer and praise will lead us back to the source of our worship and toward the solution to our problems.
Trust in God is our only route toward fulfillment and grace-filled living. Troubles will continually arise around us, striving to distract us from the goodness God has for us. They constantly say, “Look at me!” They are often looked at and focused upon to divide humanity through blaming and hatred. However, God reminds us that none of these problems are enough to break us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and instead of dividing, Jesus calls us to the foot of the cross and unity in faith.
Horizon Community Church 