It is very important to be still while you are in the valley; in the times of trials, tribulations, and testing. In these times of testing, as a Child of God, you should take note of your sins and of the Sovereign Will of God in these matters.
It is important to know Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; Deuteronomy 8:1-6; Job 23:1-14; Jeremiah 18:1-4; etc.; as God has “good” for His Child. When being tested and tried, the Child of Grace must always remember that God is conforming His Child unto His image (Romans 8:29b).
Testing is hard on our flesh; the “old man” hates it because he is exposed in these times for who he is (a deceiver, full of pride and self and self-sufficiency). But praise God for the old man being “exposed” as a liar; because this drives the person to depend upon God; to lean on Him for direction and power and peace and protection and provision. Testing has a cleansing effect (1 Peter 1:6-7). Job and Jeremiah repented of their sins (Job 42:1-6; Lamentation 3:39-42; 57-59). The sooner a Child of Grace admits he is a sinner, the sooner relief comes.
Testings and trials should not place us in a panic; but should drive us to our knees in prayer, bowing before a Sovereign God, confessing our sins, acknowledging forgiveness in the Atonement of Christ. Therefore, quietly submitting to His Purpose, and waiting for Power at His direction, to carry out His Plan in the present valley in which we walk.
Yes, as the song writer said, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms of Jesus.” Read Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalms 121:1-6; Philippians 4:13, 19; knowing that our sufficiency is not of us, but of God (2 Corinthians 3:5; 12:9). His Grace is sufficient in all circumstances of life.
Really, a Child of Grace should praise God for trials and tribulations. Why? James 1:2-4 gives us the answer:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” (James 1:2)
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:3)
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4)
When in tribulation (as at no other time), by God’s Power, you are drawn into a close communion with Jesus Christ. It is here you can hear His still, small voice. It is in these darkest hours of your life that The Light appears; and you see yourself and Christ, your Hope, clearer than ever before. It is in these times that the Valley of Baca (or tears) turns from a hell, into a well to receive the Blessings of God from above (Psalm 84:6).
It is in the day of trouble David said, “… I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me” (Psalms 86:7). And in verse 11, David reveals it is here that God will teach you His ways:
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” (Psalms 86:11)
It is here that you will praise Him:
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:12)
It is here that you proclaim and petition God:
“For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” (Psalms 86:13)
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalms 86:15)
“O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.” (Psalms 86:16)
“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.” (Psalms 86:17)
In fact, the reader should read Psalms 84, 85, and 86, when in a day of trouble. It is here that God becomes your God, not just in word or principle or precept; but here God becomes very personal as your Father, as your All in all.
Search the Scriptures in times of testing. There are hundreds of promises for you to be sustained, strengthened, and sanctified. Also, it is here that you, when exercised thereby, will yield the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
It is here, in testings and trials, that Christ becomes the Lily of the Valley, the Rose of Sharon, and the Chiefest of ten thousands unto you. Yes, He is altogether lovely as viewed through eyes in the midst of the storm of being conformed to His image. But it is worth it all to hear Him say, “Peace be still”; and the winds calm; and you sense Him in your presence greater than ever.
What do you find in your valley? Not what – but Who; for you find God is your Father and you are His son. You find His Purpose for you; you find His Power for you; you find His Peace for you. And lastly you find who you really are as you walk in His Victory and Faith (1 John 5:4). Job found the same (Job 23:1-14), and so will you.
So, be still and listen for God. You will find that this world cannot overcome you, but you have overcome all things in Christ Hallelujah! Rejoice in the Valley and in the Storm of Testing, for here you are made Perfect in Him.
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