God is a constant presence in our lives.  This is the main message of Psalm 34.  All of God’s intentions for us are good.  He works to bring good in our lives.  Towards the end of the psalm we again read  that God will deliver the righteous from every kind of trouble.

The psalm is written from the perspective of having been through a trial and come out on the other side.  It is written from the perspective that looking back the author can see where God was present throughout.  Sometimes for me it is hard to see this in the midst of a long trial.  Because of this, Job always amazes me.  Time after time after time Job’s situation gets worse and worse.  His wife and his friends are of no help.  They blame Job and encourage him to die or at least admit his sins.  In spite of all of this Job remains steadfast in his faith and is fully assured of God’s presence in his life.

I have been privy to friends and those I care for going through a long trial, sometimes with health, sometimes other situations.  Although difficult at times, it is an honor to witness their faith and to walk alongside them, even though sometimes the earthly battle is lost.  Yet hope is also found in the ultimate victory being won for those dearly loved souls.  Others do find healing and restoration.  In either case, for many of these faithful saints, the witness they share is powerful.  It draws all around them closer to God as He is revealed through them.  Like Job and the psalmist, they come out stronger in their walk with God.  Their witness continues to be felt.

In the midst of our trials, may we too continue to witness to God’s presence and power in our lives.

Scripture reference: Psalm 34: 19-22