Times of Trouble

When I was a young working adult, I often had to travel to other states alone. Sometimes my travel involved arriving late in the evening to an unfamiliar place. Looking back, I realize God had His hand of protection over me. There were many times I could have run into trouble or been in unsavory situations, but He was always watching over me for which I am grateful. As this verse states, God is a stronghold in times of trouble. He is our refuge, our shelter. King David knew God to be worthy of praise as he wrote Psalm 9:9. He was thankful for the victories God granted him over his enemies; he knew God as his refuge and strength.

We too can honor God for the protection and power He places over and in our lives. When we are confused, broken, and weary we can trust and lean on Him. Sometimes His protection comes to us as a form of peace and strength when we are in despair. Sometimes it is physical protection from danger or harm. He can even protect us from paths or desires we have for ourselves that are just not His best for us. As believers, we know God has a plan for our life and nothing can separate us from His love. We can have assurance that He walks before us and beside us in any trial we face; We just need to cling to Him.

Whether we are oppressed, attacked, or unjustly treated, we can look to God and know He will never leave us or forsake us. The Lord is our refuge, a place of shelter, protection, and safety. A trial may not always end the way we want it to, but He sees the big picture and will be with us through it all. 

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Dear Father, thank You for Your daily protection. I know that You are always there for me, and I can confidently trust You. Please help me to be an encouragement to others who may be facing trials, encouraging them You are a source of power and strength. Amen.