All of God's children in this world suffer trials, adversities, and afflictions. There are many things which cause us sorrow. Our trials come in many forms. Peter tells us that we are "in heaviness through manifold temptations". Sickness, loneliness, bereavement, domestic trouble, poverty, inward struggles with-in, and persecution are things commonly experienced by the Lord's people. Some of you are having such troubles right now. Your heart is heavy by reason of your many troubles. This question will be of interest to you - WHAT COMFORT IS THERE FOR A TROUBLED BELIEVER? Hear what I say, child of God, there is an abundance of comfort in Christ, sufficient to meet your needs.
I know that you cannot rejoice in your trial. That would be absurd. But you can rejoice in the Lord and give thanks in the midst of your trial, because EVEN YOUR TRIAL IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST FOR YOU. Paul says that it is (I Thess. 5:18). I take great comfort in the fact that nothing ever happens in my life which is not in accordance with my Father's will. If this trial is the will of God, and it most assuredly is, then it is best for me. It will come to a good end. My heavenly Father will see to it.
We cannot rejoice in our sorrows; but we can rejoice in the Lord in the midst of our sorrows, because WE ARE REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. In the light of the fact that my sins are gone, I am redeemed, forgiven, saved, and accepted in Christ. In the light of that fact, I can and do rejoice in the midst of my trials. There is no comfort for the believing heart like the comfort of full pardon through the blood of Christ. Someone said, "There's no bad news, since I got the good news."
Again, my heart has found comfort and joy in the midst of pain and trouble, because THE LORD IS PRESENT WITH HIS PEOPLE, EVEN IN THEIR TROUBLES. This is God's word to his afflicted children. "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passes, through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkes, through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior" (Isa. 43:1-3). Surely, we can rejoice in the Lord, always, even in our troubles, knowing that "the Lord is at hand". He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
I also find great comfort in ALL THE PROMISES GOD HAS GIVEN TO HIS TROUBLED, TRIED, AND AFFLICTED PEOPLE. He has promised GRACE SUFFICIENT FOR EVERY TRIAL. "As your days may demand, shall your strength ever be." My grace is sufficient for thee." The Lord will not lay more upon his people than his grace will enable them to bear. With every trial, he will make A WAY OF ESCAPE, so that we are able to bear it. His word declares that our trials will ultimately bring that which is GOOD. Even our present heartaches will prove to be best for the welfare of our immortal souls and the glory of our God. "The trial of your faith is much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Pet. 1:7). Whatever your present trial and heaviness of heart may be, if you are one of God's dear children, take comfort, it will come to a happy end; and that happy end will come soon.
*