REMEMBERING THE LORD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
TEXT:
"When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple." (Jonah 2 verse 7, King James Version).
For the Christian, it's a settled fact that we face tribulations just as others do. The Lord Jesus informed us in John 16 verse 33 saying,
"In the world ye shall have tribulation:" But the marked difference between us and others is that such moments don't swallow us up. In other words, we have been promised a safe landing by the Lord.
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43 verse 2).
The same promise was given by the Lord Jesus in John 16 verse 33, saying that in the world we would have tribulations, but that we should be of good cheer; because He has overcome the world for us.
With these promises in mind, the question is, to whom do you have recourse when your soul faints following trials and temptations? In Jonah's case, he had much to worry about because he was in the belly of the fish for three days. In that situation, he remembered the Lord his God.
"When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple." (Jonah 2 verse 7)
The Psalmist also had the Lord in remembrance in moments of despair saying,
"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalms 77 stanzas 11 to 12).
The same sentiments are expressed in Psalm 143 stanza 5, when the Psalmist spirit grew faint within him and his heart within him was dismayed
"I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." (New International Version).
It's important to remember the Lord in moments of trouble and to make your prayers to Him for deliverance and help. This is the heritage of every child of God. Knowing that the Lord changes not, we become confident that He will avail us of His care and power when we face moments of despair in life. In other words, the past works of the Lord serve to encourage us in moments of trials, knowing and believing that He will intervene on our behalf like He did in time past.
To remember to call on the Lord in moments of trials is evidence of our trust in His ability to deliver us. We know that it's vain to trust and place reliance on anything else, apart from the Lord.
"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love." (Jonah 2 verse 8, English Standard Version)
Again, the Psalmist reminds us in Psalms 31 stanza 6 saying,
"I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD".
PRAYER:
Dearest Heavenly Father, Your past deeds are known to me. I place my trust and confidence in You, knowing that You change not. I will have You in remembrance always when I face difficult situations of life, in Jesus name.