David is one of my Scriptural heroes. He has one of those stories that fascinates me as I read about him in God’s Word. He was a complete man of God and a complete screw up. In other words, David was a real man. He was not some hero that never made mistakes nor was he a man who did everything wrong. He was just like us – a human being seeking to live a godly life and making mistakes in the process. The good news about his mistakes is that he learned from those times and drew closer to God through those difficult times.
As I read through Psalm 30 over the past few days a thought occurred to me. What right do I have (and anyone in general) to bemoan the work God does in me? Are we so shallow that we only expect God to bless us with all the good things of this life? Is that all that really matters in this life? Does constantly pouring out blessings like candy to a spoiled child really bring God glory?
Allow me just a moment of your time to say something I hope will impact your heart. Without the trials of life, the praise of God would not be as sweet. If all God did was to bless us – the new car when the old one “wears out,” the healthy bank account, the nice house filled with all the extras, and whatever else our little heart desires – how would that bring great praise to His name? That portrait of God sounds a lot more like a genie in a Bible than the Awesome, Majestic God who wrote the Book.
If we avoid the trials of life (which is our natural inclination) how will we know the great victory God achieves when He transforms us into the sons and daughters of the King? If we run from tribulation how is it that we will learn to trust in the rich resources of the Almighty? If we balk at the rough sackcloth of trials how will we know the gentle caress of gladness?
God has a design for your life and mine. To achieve that design God will refine us. It is not a sign of God’s displeasure or hatred of you when He allows hardship into our lives. It is actually a sign of God’s great love for us. It gives God great pleasure to turn sorrow into joy. It gives Him great pleasure to see the transformation that occurs in the heart of the one who endures the trial. The reason, I believe, is that coming through the trial we learn to trust and depend on God more than when we entered the Crucible. It is through trial that we learn about God and ourselves; and, in coming through trial, we learn to praise God better. Those who are afraid to trust God and enter into the Crucible are missing out on the wonder and the glory that is gained through the experience – the robes of gladness for sackcloth and the dancing for mourning. Joy really does come in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever, Amen. Roman 11:33-36 (NASB)
