Bad And Good Things Happen
Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
Psalm 43:1
There is a question that people will often ask themselves when the trials and storms of life gather, "Why do bad things happen to good people." Has this question ever plagued your mind? Of course, it has! We all want to know why bad things in life happen to good people we know, or even to good people like ourselves. One day, a woman asked the minister at her local Reformed Church this question, and his answer to her was a classic. He said this, "I don't know, I haven't met any good people." His answer was designed to accomplish two purposes. First, it was designed to remind the lady that we are all sinners. None of us are really good people! Secondly, he wanted her to understand that no one is immune from trouble. This second truth is driven home in the Psalm we have before us.
There is some debate as to who penned this particular Psalm. Some have suggested that it was David when he was fleeing from the revolt of his son Absalom. Others have suggested that it was king Hezekiah when Jerusalem was under attack from the Assyrians. Regardless of whether either of these is true, it would seem that the author of this Psalm is going through a time of stress, personal attack and inner turmoil. His life has brought him face to face with circumstances that are out of his control, and they have brought pain and confusion to his heart.
We have all faced times in our lives when we were embroiled in turmoil, pain and heartache. Those are the times of life that define us as believers and confirm or deny our testimony concerning our faith in and love for Jesus Christ.
As we read this Psalm, it becomes quickly evident that the Psalmist is a broken man. Yet, he clings to his faith in God as a man thrown overboard into the ocean clings to a life preserver. As this man lifts his prayer to the Lord, he cries out in his despair, "O, Deliver Me!"
Have you been guilty of allowing the trials, troubles of life control you, steal your joy and ruin your life? If so, the secret to being free from their power in your life lies in the truth the Psalmist has taught us. First, learn to take your burdens to the Lord. Second, commit to living your life according to His will and praise Him even if it kills you. Third, rest in the confidence that the valleys will soon be behind us forever.
Bible Reading
Psalm 43:1-5.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in all the storms of life, help me to remember, that You are with me. In Christ name. Amen.
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