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Afflicted But Not Crushed
Afflicted But Not Crushed
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
As we turn to 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 and learn from Paul of the many trials and afflictions he faced, we can understand why at times he would have a troubled heart and even be puzzled as to why those things were happening to him. However, we learn from 2 Corinthians 4 that he did not allow those afflictions to fill him with anxiety and grief that would throw him into a state of hopelessness. Paul knew that he served a God who was willing and able to calm all the storms of his life (Psalms 23, Psalms 56:3, Isaiah 12:2-3, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:16).
While we do not suffer the same afflictions Paul speaks about (hopefully never will), there will come into all of our lives those times when our human frame will be afflicted with events that will trouble us greatly. It does not matter how much peace and calmness may surround us, at any moment, often with no advance notice, our world can be turned upside down replacing that peace and comfort with a burden that will be difficult to bear. We serve the same God Paul served and like Paul, we must never allow the storms of this life to take control of us. When those dark clouds gather and the storms rage around us, turn it over to God, let him handle it.
Some time ago, due to a medical issue, I found myself sitting in a room at the local medical center waiting to find out what was going to take place. There was a bulletin board in the room and as I sat there. I read these words. “Good morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today. So relax and have a great day,” I know that these are words written by a human being but I do believe the thought expressed in them is biblical truth (Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalms 59:16-17)
There is always a measure of strength, hope, comfort, calmness and peace available to sustain those who are willing to submit themselves to the Lord, ever trusting and confiding in him (Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalms 62:8, Proverbs 3:5, 1 Peter 5:6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) I love Psalms 4:8, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5) We sing a beautiful song by Eliza Hewitt, Sunshine in the Soul, that proclaims, “There’s sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright, than glows in any earthly skies, for Jesus is my light. There’s gladness in my soul today, and hope, and praise, and love, for blessings which he gives me now, for joys laid up above. O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine, when the peaceful happy moments roll; when Jesus shows his smiling face there is sunshine in my soul.”
As for me, this pilgrimage has been one great adventure. Sometimes it has been exciting while at times a little boring. There have been so many good days and there have also been many that were not so good. Recently, I received a post that truly sums up how I feel about my life: “I’m at peace today no matter what I’m facing, the Lord is with me.” How about you? Always remember, the eyes of the Lord are in every place (2 Chronicles 16:9, 1 Peter 3:12, Hebrews 4:13).
Charles Hicks, Hendersonville Tennessee
