“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8 ESV

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked in the “midst of trouble.” The midst of trouble is not exactly a place we like to find ourselves, but I’m so grateful that I have. It’s been in the midst of trouble that I’ve experienced God’s strong hand that delivers, His faithful promise-keeping, and His steadfast love. It has been in the midst of trouble that I’ve had the opportunity to proclaim trust and reliance on my God, and have gained a deeper intimacy through experience with Him. From the many saved through the truth of a Savior shared at my father’s funeral; to the gospel conversations I was able to have with others while admitted to the hospital; to the encouragement I’ve been able to share with those walking through the same struggles I’ve walked through. Each troubling time has been given deep value because of the truths they’ve taught me and the ministry they’ve allowed to others.

The midst of trouble, whatever that looks like for you, is an invitation to partake in God’s divine nature. It is an invitation to have a front row seat to watch His power at work, to see the fulfillment of His promises, to taste of His goodness, and to obtain His perfect peace. Jesus says,

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 AMP

None of us is immune to troubles and trials.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice…” 1 Peter 4:12-13a ESV

Trials are a part of this life, but do not be discouraged!

If trials are a reason for rejoicing, then no trial should be able to steal our joy. In fact, they should bolster it. And the joy of the Lord is our strength! So, if each trial that comes our way provides an opportunity for us to be strengthened with joy and to walk in perfect peace, what beautiful lives we live!

Consider journaling how you’ve seen the goodness of God through the midst of trouble. Write the attributes of God you were able to experience yourself, and ways that you’ve seen Him work it for good in your life and the lives of those around you.

Papa, We thank You for being perfectly present with us. We thank You for Your perfect peace, and Your strengthening joy. Make us more aware of You every day in each little thing. Draw our hearts into joyful reliance on You. We ask You to remind us, in the midst of trouble, to accept Your invitation and to partake of Your divine nature. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.