“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Psalm 34:19
Yesterday, we focused on the first half of this verse, “many are the afflictions of the righteous.” Today, we are looking at the second part, “but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
I appreciate this about God. I love that when He speaks to us, He not only acknowledges what we are going through, but He also shows us His plan concerning us. He is saying, yes, you are going through affliction, but I will deliver you. I will not leave you in that affliction. I will not abandon you there. I will come, and I will deliver you.
All Inclusive
And I love that He does not say He will deliver you from some of it. He does not say He will save your heart from pain and leave your body broken. He does not say He will fix your family life and leave your finances in ruins. He says He will deliver you from all.
Remember our brother Job? When he went through affliction, he was tried on every front (Job 1–2). But when God got ready to deliver Job, He restored everything. He delivered him from all the affliction he had faced. Job got children again. He got his businesses back. His life was restored. And yes, his marriage was restored too, because his wife was the one who bore the children afterwards (Job 42:10–13). God delivered him from all.
Isn’t it amazing that we serve a God who delivers us from everything we encounter? Isn’t it amazing that we can trust Him in difficulty, knowing that no matter how deep the pit is, He will stretch out His hand and pull us out? He will bring us out of darkness and set our feet upon a solid rock (Psalm 40:2). He will not allow us to end in suffering. And to an extent, I believe we know this.
God, when?
Where many of us struggle is not whether God will deliver us. We know that. Our struggle is when exactly He will deliver us.
I know You will deliver me, but how long will this affliction last? Can I have a date? Can I have a timeline? Can You show me heaven’s calendar so I know when this season will end? That is where the challenge is. God says He will deliver, but He rarely tells us when.
Yes, He told the children of Israel they would be in Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). Yes, He told them they would be in Babylon for 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10). Sometimes, God gives timing. But most times, He leads you into the wilderness and does not tell you how long you will stay there.
Timeline
Beloved, can I tell you when God will deliver you? At the fullness of time. When patience has been worked in you (James 1:2–4). And I’m sure you know by now, you are not going through affliction alone. The Bible says we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus understands.
In Gethsemane, Jesus cried out and said, Lord, if it is possible, take this cup away from Me (Matthew 26:39). In other words, can we skip this part? But He still had to go through it. He surrendered His spirit. He completed the process. And after everything was complete, the Holy Spirit raised Him from the dead (Romans 8:11). That same Spirit lives in you today. That same Spirit will deliver you at the fullness of time.
So in the meantime, do not be afraid. Trust God. Believe that He has you covered. Believe that you are protected. Believe that He is faithful.
Pray and say:
“Lord, give me patience to wait for the appointed time. I know that You are my Deliverer. And when I become impatient, when waiting becomes difficult, give me the grace to trust You and wait on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
God bless you.
