Soap #19 - Reason to Trust and Rejoice

SOAP #19 - Reason to Trust & Rejoice
Scripture: Psalm 34:17-19, 4-5
“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears 
and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
 and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:17-19 ESV

Observation:
What encouraging promises the Lord gives to any person going through times of trouble and discouragement! The Lord hears every call for help. The Lord delivers from all trouble. The Lord is with those who have broken hearts. The Lord saves those who are crushed in spirit. The Lord delivers his people from ALL their afflictions.

Application:
Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged tonight. But why do difficulties discourage me? Have I forgotten what the Lord has promised? I want the psalmist’s testimony in verses 4-5 to be my triumphant statement of faith: ”I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Prayer:
Thank You, dear Lord, that You care about my every need. Deliver me from this season of discouragement. Lift up my crushed spirit. Transform my discouragement into joy, and my fear into faith. I want to look at You alone and be ‘”radiant”—full of hope and confidence and trust, knowing I will never be ashamed of trusting You. I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.