This verse is one of the greatest testimonies ever written that tells of God’s behind the scenes work during a crisis. The author of the psalm is appreciating, recognizing, and thanking God for freeing him not from suffering but through suffering. By saying, “Thou has enlarged me when I was in distress,” the psalmist was basically saying that the sorrowful seasons that he went through, has actually been the source of his enlargement.
Think of all “the heroes of faith” spoken and unspoken of in the Book of Hebrews. Earlier I wrote about the extraordinary adversity in the person and story of Joseph in the Old Testament. My devotional this morning also refers to Joseph…that when he was thrown in prison, “iron entered his soul.” Looking back on Joseph’s life, we read that his youthful years were filled with nothing less than ease and prosperity. In other words…he was probably really spoiled, because the Bible tells us that he was his father’s “favorite” son….so it’s not a stretch to say his early years were “gold and glittery.” But the strength of iron is exactly what he needed to fulfill God’s purpose in his life, which was to preserve the nation of Israel.
I’ll try to explain it this way: Someone who falls apart over simple things, will not be of much use in a real crisis. True sorrow would be much too deep for them. We all need the iron in life to develop our character and to make us strong. I am not only speaking of physical adversity…I’m speaking about all adversity. Even though it’s very tough to deal with at the onset…it prepares us for something. We may not find out what that something is for a long time…but we will find out eventually. I believe this with all of my heart… It’s in the shadows of our lives that we find the actual fulfillment of our dreams and glory. Amen?
Reading today’s devotional…it tells me that we should never complain about the shadows of darkness. “Do not say that the darkness of prison has shackled you, for your shackles are wings – wings of flight into the heart and soul of humanity. God has enlarged you through the suffering of sorrow’s chain.
If Joseph had never been Egypt’s prisoner, he would never have been Egypt’s governor. The iron chains that bound his feet brought about the golden chain around his neck.” (Streams in the Desert)
Be encouraged my friends, whatever you may be going through…you’ll be better from it.
It’s my passion to write about my personal experiences to make you realize that Almighty God is indeed in the intricate details of your life. Mostly I am here to share things I’ve learned so far in my “race of faith” with you. I am here to encourage you, and let you know that there is hope...
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Another wonderful post here. I’ve found this to be true in my own life. Though I wouldn’t choose to go through the difficulties I have, I know God has used them to mold me into the person He created me to be. He is always faithful. Beautitul! Blessings!
Excellent thought!
I am reminded of a time when I was in a Christian book store, I read one of those small encouragement cards, which said, “Trials are not enemies of faith, but opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness.”
There never was a time when God didn’t prove Himself to be faithful. He has always been there for me.
And so He is there for everyone else. If people who lack faith would but believe this they would see that He truly loves them, even when they are going through hard times!
Rev. 3:19
God bless,
–Chris
Great post…God allows suffering and adversities to refine us and strengthen us. More important, to remind us that He is there ready to comfort and help us.
Tracy, Yup…we are the people we are because of difficulties. For sure, He knows what He’s doing.
Blessings to you too!
That is a great encouragment about trials…and oh, so true! Yes, His faithfulness is never ending!
Thanks for your comment Chris.
Bingkee,
Good Point…He reminds us He will comfort us. It also increases our faith.
Thanks for your comment. God bless you:)