Hope During Times of Trouble - Chapter Seventeen

Hope During Times Of Trouble

But you, God, see the trouble of the
afflicted; you consider their grief
and take it in hand.

Psalm 10:14a

Recently, across our nation, wicked acts have piled one on top of another at an alarming rate. The number of police officers shot and killed or injured in the line of duty is staggering. Parents grieve their lost children. Wives wonder how they will raise their sons and daughters. Brothers and sisters sob in disbelief. Many might ask, where is God? Why do the wicked succeed? Does God even care? Where is our hope during times of trouble?

During times of trials and heartaches, a walk through the Psalms can tell us much about the heart of God. Psalm 10:14 describes God’s actions. “But you, O God, do see…” God looks, views, considers, and realizes what is happening. This verse tells us He sees the “trouble of the afflicted…” He sees our work, labor, toil, misery and oppression. He sees the wrong, abuse, distress, and suffering. He sees and understands what is happening to the humble, afflicted, poor, helpless, and needy.

So, how do we reconcile the goodness of God versus the evil of man? Does God only see? Psalm 10:14 makes it clear that God sees and acts when the writer tells us, “You (God) consider it, to take it in hand.” In the original Hebrew, the word in this verse translated consider can also mean have regard for, tolerate, detect, observe, watch over, and esteem. God observes and considers the acts of evil, trouble, grief… Why? Verse fourteen tells us, “to take it in hand.” And there is our hope! The hand of God.

The Hebrew word for hand used here is yād; control, power, strength, direction, or care. Not only does God see the outward circumstances and know the inward feelings caused by the evil we face, He has the power to control the situation, provide strength in the midst of trouble, give direction, and care for His children along the journey.

While we may not understand God’s timetable, it is important to remember that God judges sin. Verse sixteen tells us He is King. Throughout the Psalms we find many images of God. He is:

Our Shield
Our Rock
Our King
Our Shepherd
Our Judge
Our Refuge
Our Fortress
Our Avenger
Our Creator
Our Deliverer
Our Healer
Our Protector
Our Provider
Our Redeemer

Do not let the evils of this world cause you to doubt that God still cares for His children, on His timeline, in His way. Just as He delivered the Hebrew children from the clutches of Egypt, He is able to come to our aide in times of distress; our hope during times of trouble.

Hope for Daily Living

Do you ever doubt that God is in control of earth’s events? Yes or no, and explain.

From the list above, which image of God is most relevant to your needs at this time? Why?

Read Psalm 91. Write verses 1-2 here.

Read Psalm 93. What do these verses tell you about God?

In your own words, write a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Father,
You know that our world is a mess, and satan would like nothing more than to have us dwell on the evil and sadness that can be found in this life. But You, O God, are Light in the darkness, Strength in my weakness, Refuge in my storms, a Shield in my battles, Provider in my times of need, Healer in my times of illness, my Rock to stand on when I feel I am sinking, my Deliverer from the enemy, and my Redeemer for eternity. Praise Your Holy Name! In the Name of Jesus, I thank You that You are my hope during times of trouble. Amen.

© Joyce Powell