A Difficult Season by Lane Jordan Burday
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away…”Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:4-5).
When I am in a difficult season, I try to focus on the eternal things of God rather than whatever circumstance I am in at the moment. For I know the future with God will be perfect!
But what about now? When we are in the middle of a hurricane bringing disaster to our lives, answers that don’t make sense and outcomes that seem unjust? How do we put off bitterness in unjust circumstances and put on hope in God’s sovereignty?
King David is an excellent example of facing difficulties. He was anointed king, chosen by God, yet he spent years hiding and running from King Saul because of his jealousy and rage. David was promised the kingdom! Yet, he waited years for the throne and for the wrongs to be made right. David was a man who knew how it felt to be attacked, hunted, betrayed, abandoned, and weary—all while seeking to obey the Lord.
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me and horror overwhelms me…For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me – then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng (Psalm 55:4-5, 12-14).
Many of you may be getting a divorce or estranged from a dear family member or friend, or death has taken a loved one. You are still in shock and dismay. “How could this ever happen?” you ask.
David was no stranger to the unfair, unjust, and unexpectedly hurtful. He knew what it was like trust someone and then have it all shatter. Yet, he hoped in the Lord during his very real circumstances by reminding himself who God was and why God was his comfort.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
(Psalm 57:1-3)
Disappointments and heartaches can either mold us into confident worshippers or defensive doubters. The person we become will be based on where we find refuge in the unexpected. David chose to direct his heart and mind to the faithfulness of God and His purposes. Remember that injustice, liars, or cheats will not prevail even when our prayers aren’t answered quickly. God is in the middle of your trial and makes “everything work for good for those who love him and have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
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Lane P. Jordan is the best-selling and award-winning author of over ten books.
Find her latest fiction book Evangeline, based on the story of Esther, on Amazon, as well as her books on becoming more organized. She is an international speaker, life coach, Bible teacher for over 20 years, writer, and artist. She has served as Associate Producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and is also a part of the Pearls of Promise Ministries team. You can find her at: www.LaneJordanMinistries.com