When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. —Micah 7:8
Jesus Christ came to this world because of the Father’s great love. He experienced the pain, sorrow, and suffering of humanity to enable Him to intercede for us with compassion and understanding. In a time of great spiritual darkness, Jesus Christ came to lift up the fallen and bring light to the darkened soul.
After deliverance from sin through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, one must still face the battles and trials of this world. The enemy of our soul is doing all He can to destroy hope and bring despair. We must hold on for dear life to the promises of God and cling to the cross, for therein is light and life.
The subject this quarter is “In Times of Trouble.” While we in no way want to give the enemy credit nor undermine the wonderful peace that is found in the Lord, we openly acknowledge that there are still troubles of life after one has been saved. We will not be delivered from the heartache of this world until we reach our eternal home in Heaven. It is a blessing to have the Lord by our side to walk with us and support us in the times of trouble.
We preach a message of victory and live it by the grace of God. However, there have been many who have found themselves almost overcome by the darkness of despair and by internal or external pressures and burdens. I do not want to minimize the reality of the struggle that saved people can have within their spirits and with their emotions, feelings, etc. in their journey of living for God.
This issue is different from previous issues in that I have shared writings of the past that I pray will be a blessing and encouragement to those who are in a time of trouble. I have also sat in a darkened place more than one time in my life, and I found it was the presence of God’s love and His care for me that brought healing to mind and spirit. The refuge of God is a reality, and we need to abide in the shelter of God’s love as never before.
Our children and young people are facing pressures and struggles not seen in past generations. The enemy is no respecter of persons, and he is attacking the saints with a vengeance. The power of God is greater than the power of the enemy, and it is only the light of God that will cause the darkness to dissipate. Saved people too often feel shame in acknowledging their internal struggles, and sometimes there is not a forum in which to openly discuss the nature of these battles. The Lord is the ultimate answer. He will be your “strength in the time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39). I encourage every hurting soul to find someone in whom you can confide and pray with that the power of darkness be broken.
You are loved, you are not alone, and God will be faithful to you!
Michael W. Smith
April 2021
