Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Ps. 34:19 NASB 1995).
Is it just me or has your corner of the world had more than its normal share of afflictions in the last few years? Too often, I hear of a loss or injustice that touches someone or something I care about. I found myself drawn to Psalm 34, especially verse 19.
Strongs’ definition of afflictions includes “evil, distress, misery, injury, and calamity.” It can also refer to something that is “unpleasant and disagreeable.”
Some losses steal our breath. Focusing on the Lord is the only way we can function through them. Those who’ve passed through such times with the Lord later testify that, though they never want to repeat the suffering, they wouldn’t trade what they gained from that time with the Lord. Looking back, they know the Lord carried them.
Other “afflictions” cause more aggravation than pain. Remembering the Lord delivers us out of them all helps us look for Him when trouble knocks. Let me share how the Lord turned a recent aggravation into a blessing.
Affliction:
We discovered a bathroom leak in November. I prayed for a simple fix. The whole tile floor had to be demolished.
The Lord’s Rescue:
After struggling the last couple of years to find workers for basic repairs, a capable worker was available for this job. I found the perfect tile to blend with the rest of the area and bought it with my designer discount.
Affliction:
The affordable sink bases I liked wouldn’t be available for months. I found one with a faucet I liked on display at a local plumbing shop. Both were discontinued and unavailable.
The Lord’s Rescue:
After apologizing that she couldn’t get me the sink and base I liked, the manager turned back to me and offered to sell me the display for a song. “I have new displays coming and need the room. The timing of your project is perfect.”
Affliction:
I wanted to replace the mirror while we were updating, but I couldn’t find one I liked to fit the cramped space for the right price.
The Lord’s Rescue:
When I couldn’t find my Christmas napkins for a party I was hosting, Larry offered to pick some up. While out, he saw Carolina Lighting’s going-out-of-business sign. Mirrors were 75% off. They had one the right size and finish to fit our bathroom renovation.
This experience reminded me that if God cares enough to turn a destructive bathroom leak into a beautiful renovation, I can surely trust Him with life’s deeper struggles.
If God cares enough to turn a destructive bathroom leak into a beautiful renovation, surely I can #trust Him with life's deeper struggles. #Hope Share on XHe who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32 NASB 1995).
Many are the afflictions of the righteous—but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Like every year before it, 2023 will contain both difficulties and delights. Let us remember God’s promise through them all.
I close with some other verses from this Psalm 34. May they encourage you as we turn the page to a new year.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need” (Ps. 34:4-9 NLT).
Women’s Online Bible Study
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How have you experienced the Lord’s deliverance, or what scriptures help you face challenges? Add your comments here.
Maranatha,
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Loved this Ms. Debbie. The thing I try and remember about afflictions, whether light or difficult, is that through them I find strength. Whether my faith is strengthened each time I choose to turn to God and away from the affliction, or a physical strengthening such as increased immunity after the flu bug gets me. I grow stronger! I pray the same for your many readers.
J.D, that is such an empowering perspective. God never wastes a trial. I hope I won’t! Blessings for the new year.
It’s so wonderful to look back on affliction and see the value it held. It’s hard during the test to see the good. Thanks, Debbie, for the encouragement. God bless and happy New Year!
Thank you, Nancy. Happy New Year!
So uplifting Debbie. If we are calm and allow Him to work, He really always brings good from all of it in amazing ways.
Amen! Thanks, Ann.
Debbie, enjoyed how you unpacked this verse with the analogy of your bathroom renovation. I pray to trust the Lord with the hard struggles of life. Happy New Year!
Me too, Karen. Happy New Year to you too!
This was most interesting to me, Debbie. My One Word for 2023 is “Guide” and surely we can trust God to guide us in every circumstance, even ones including a bathroom renovation solution. He is interested in every facet of our lives. Happy New Year
I often pray for guidance. That’s a wonderful word, Joanne. Happy New Year to you!
Thanks Debbie for sharing the affliction and God’s rescue. I’d love to see the before and after! I think God specializes in before and after’s! Enjoyed the post!
I almost put an after picture in the post. I should have taking a before. I did take one of the floor torn out. Great application. God renovates us.
Great message, full of hope. I know I usually feel closer to God when afflictions come around.
Yvonne, the psalmist wrote the same thing. It is good that I was afflicted than I might learn your statutes. They certainly make us more aware of our need for Him.
Your perspective on these afflictions and ability to see God at work is inspiring, Debbie. Enjoy your new bathroom!
Thank you, Annie. Sometimes I walk by to look in and marvel at God’s sweet gift.
Thank you for this reminder that God cares about both the big and the small circumstances of our lives. Your message is just what I needed after a really tough week. Thanks for the blessing.
Thank you, Katherine. I’m sorry you had a tough week but glad you found encouragement.
I love how God shows up even in places we would not expect. Thank you for sharing this story this is one of my favorite psalms.
Jennifer, it’s one of my favorites too. So many good verses to hang on to.
Psalm 34 is one of my favorite psalms. I memorized it a few years ago, but I’m reminded reading your post that I haven’t reviewed it in quite awhile, so it’s slipping from my memory. I’ll try to pick it back up in 2023! Thanks, Debbie. The Lord’s goodness never fails.
Lisa, I too memorized it years ago. It is so rich, and I need to renew my mind with it more often.