Transformed in Trouble

Couldn’t sleep tonight.

Yesterday had been a rough day, not enough hours or better still, too many hours consumed in insurmountable problems.

Some days I long for the faith of Peter. Acts 12:6 tells us, Peter slept while imprisoned, awaiting trial for a capital crime and chained by the arms between two large, smelly, Roman soldiers. Now that’s faith!

But that’s not me or at least not the current me. I am praying that one day, my faith will be more like Peter. So, feeling rather small and exceeding overwhelmed, just an insignificant piece of thread in a great tapestry, I crawled out of the quilts to meet God. God did not disappoint. He led me to Psalm 77.

“I cry aloud to God; I cry aloud, and he hears me. In times of trouble I pray to the Lord; all night long I lift my hands in prayer, but I cannot find comfort. When I think of God, I sigh; when I meditate, I feel discouraged. He keeps me awake all night; I am so worried that I cannot speak. I think of days gone by and remember years of long ago. I spend the night in deep thought; I meditate, and this is what I ask myself: “Will the Lord always reject us? Will he never again be pleased with us? Has he stopped loving us? Does his promise no longer stand? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has anger taken the place of his compassion? (Psalms 77: 1-9)”

I can totally relate to the feelings expressed in these passages. And, isn’t that the way of most of us. But then as in the Psalm, I remember who God is.

“I will remember your great deeds, LORD; I will recall the wonders you did in the past. I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts. Everything you do, O God, is holy. No god is as great as you. You are the God who works miracles; you showed your might among the nations” (Psalms 77: 11-14).

Thanks be to God, for He is merciful, compassionate and faithful. He calms, consoles and comforts especially in the blinding, darkness while riding rapid rivers of tumultuous trouble. God can transform even the weakest of hearts. I know, because He changes mine and He stands at the ready to transform yours. He told us, “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for God’s approval! For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5: 6).

Father, I want to be your obedient servant. Please give me strength and love to do all that you ask, no matter how difficult. I will remember that no matter the trials, you will always be with me.

I pray that you will be with everyone reading today. Show them yourself. Show them your favor and glory; your active compassion; and faithfulness. And please give all of us a hunger and thirst for your approval. For we know, that in you alone, we will be satisfied.