The LORD will sustain us
The LORD sustains us
In life, there will be times of discouragement, times when it can seem as if God is far away from us. We may ask:
- Is He angry?
- Have we done something that made His presence leave us?
- Where is God?
Yesterday was Easter—Resurrection Sunday—and it was a glorious time of worship. If you attended church, then you will most assuredly state the same.
Nevertheless, prior to the start of Sunday School, there was a moment of time when I was afforded the opportunity to stand in the hallway and listen to a young man speak of the infidelity of his ex-wife. I saw it on his face as his eyes teared, and I heard it in his voice as he spoke of forgiveness. Together, we spoke of the suffering we experience at the hands of another.
Then, as I worshipped in the sanctuary, I knew there were many sitting near me who were discouraged, overwhelmed, grieved and sad. I knew because the atmosphere was palpable (almost as if one could touch). Yes, we know this is truth because there cannot be a crowd of people gathered who are ALL perfectly content and ALL perfectly at peace within their hearts.
- Some felt grief, allowing tears to stream down their cheeks.
- Some felt sadness deep within their hearts.
- Some felt the brokenness that is endured when one is wronged.
- Some felt fear, for they knew Monday was coming.
- Some felt anguish because they did not know the LORD.
Up and down the aisles, people sat within the crowed sanctuary, carrying their own pain, anguish, and suffering. Many sounds could be heard behind me during the span of time we gathered, sounds of weeping, sounds of “Amen” voiced, sounds of stirring within the seats, and even the deep whisper of the Holy Spirit speaking.
Today, as Easter Sunday and that earlier conversation replays inside my mind, I find myself thinking about suffering and also asking:
What about the suffering Christians endure at the hands of unbelievers? Some will experience fear, sadness, brokenness, and even grief; however, the Bible reminds us that—
- God feels our pain. &
- God brings comfort to those who are His.
- The LORD will sustain us. &
- God remains with us even when we feel as if He is so far.
- His promise remains!
See with me how the psalmist David recorded these words of security, those the LORD provides when we feel all alone:
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
(The Psalms 34: 7 NAS)
And rescues them.”
& also in another psalm, we are encouraged by the Word of God as we read:
“For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
(The Psalms 91: 11-16 NAS)
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.”
[See what’s required of us] &
[See the LORD’S voiced assurance]
“Because he has loved Me,
therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high,
because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me,
and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”
- The LORD promises He will deliver us—because we love Him.
- The LORD will set us up on high—because we love Him.
- The FATHER will answer our prayers—because we call on Him.
- The FATHER will remain with us—because we belong to Him.
- Jehovah will rescue & give us long life—because we know Him as LORD.
God will allow all who seek Him to come to know His salvation—because He promises!
Thus in closing, allow me to leave this writing on this Monday after Easter, a day when we return to our jobs, to our ‘regular’ tasks. Help us always remember: The LORD will sustain us—because you & “I Know A Name” by Brandon Lake & Elevation Worship. Listen today and remember.