Jesus had always said that one of the disciples was unclean and a devil (John 6:70). Its also about the role we will play once we are there. Look at what he prayed in Psalms 51:12: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (emphasis mine). That is one of the blessings of trials; it proves our faith, whether it is real or not. The trial was not an accident it was necessary for your growth and maturation in Christ. Singing isn't just about music; vocal music, in this case, is just the medium. This is what we see happening to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11. Next . He has brought us back to the basics. When I pray, study His Word preach His Word, I ought to reflect on His greatness. Why should believers have joy in their trials according to 1 Peter 1:3-5? One of the ways we can tell is by our response to trials. 6. It absolutely works! Our loving relationship with Christ can create some of the greatest joy even in the midst of the fire. Everything we know about God should cause us to regard and adore His greatness. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me.I keep my eyes always on the Lord. Psalm 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Romans 8:17 declares that we are co-heirs with Christ, and therefore, what is the Sons is ours. Paul says not only is he in total control, but he is specifically controlling the temperature gauge on every trial. Here are seven practical ways to trust God in your everyday life: 1. The word kinds can be translated various or multicolored. Some had, no doubt, lost their land, their loved ones and their careers, and yet Peter says they can still have great joy in the midst of these multicolored trials. Is he God your Provider? Our fathers trusted in thee: They trusted, and thou didst deliver them. Application Question: What are your thoughts about the concept of God being in control of every trial and him only allowing them if they are necessary? Trials have the same effect on a believers faith. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times, 4 Ways the Parable of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth. - God says in Psalm 50:23. Now this is something that only those who understand the reality that God is keeping the salvation of every believer can truly rejoice in. We can rejoice in trials because they have purpose. Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me: you shall stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me. Where do you find words of praise and thanksgiving when your heart is full of sorrow and struggle? These believers were being persecuted for following Christ; they were being persecuted for being different. Each metal has a different melting point, and that is one of the ways you can tell if something is really genuine. All rights reserved. Maybe they dont receive it because the inheritance is lost or its value changes. It awakens your spiritual self to view a heavenly perspective. Simon Peter was privileged to see Jesus transfigured and he later wrote about it with these words: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty," (2 Pet. Amen. Praise in the Midst of Trouble. But thats not it. I stand at the door and knock. Are you in a place that feels dry and perhaps a bit hopeless? Who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, I will thank you forever, because you have done it. However, genuine faith lasts forever, and faith that ultimately falls away from God in the midst of trials is spurious. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed (emphasis mine). I'm glad you're here to journey with me! It is this loving relationship with Christ that allows us to endure and have joy in trial or tribulation. Is he God your Father? Instead, it redirects our focus on who God is. In Isaiah we discover statements like this: "The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously. When people hear me preach, they will hear a strong emphasis on the importance of Scripture, the importance of daily meditation on the Word of God because that is the way God comforted me and I, therefore, comfort others the same way. And - God "did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline," (2 Tim. We rejoice in our undefiled inheritance. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me, Psalm 64:7,8 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. Romans 11:33-36 is such an excellent statement of God's sovereignty. I will give them a crown. Peter saw this and focused on this in the midst of his trials. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 20:4 .. "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new.. When I cry for help, you will answer. Is he God your Healer? (Acts 13:22) One reason for this was his willingness to praise God even in the darkest of times. I will rejoice over them and honor them. It took me to several chapters of 2 Samuel. How can we encourage others with this when they are suffering? WE PRAISE GOD IN OBEDIENCE, for in disobedience, we fail to glorify Him (Rom. 16: 7-9) "I will give you thanks with all my heart; I will sing your . Step by step he has shown how God has devised and revealed a way of putting sinners right with himself; how Christ died for our sins, and was raised for our justification; how we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection; how the Christian life is lived by walking in the Spirit not the flesh. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fadekept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by Gods power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (emphasis mine).1 Peter 1:35. Many of us have lost our joy because we have sinned by losing the right focus. It is the way of faithit is the genuine faith that is tested through the trial. Sometimes God brings trials to discipline us, to turn us away from sin. When this person eventually encounters trouble or persecution, they fall away from God and never return. Jesus said, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do the things which I say?" (Psalms 115:1, NIV). it convinces me that I am actually in a real conversation with God himself, my very Creator. What we do today will affect our eternity. (Psalms 113:4, NIV). Many people are only thinking about tomorrow or focusing on the next immediate milestone: graduation, marriage or retirement, but that view is too shortsighted. As I follow the instructions of God and honor the Son, there flows from my life just exactly the kind of influence that will do people good and not evil. David praises the Lord for delivering him from the Philistines, and he invites others to join him in singing joyfully to the Lord. God is the one who gives you faith (Ephesians 2:89), and he is the one who keeps it. "And he will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version , Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. True faith is ultimately indestructible because God keeps it by his power. Trials to our faith, are like fire to a precious metalthe fire tests the genuineness of it. What other reasons are trials necessary? "David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly " What does this mean? Verse Concepts. Praise God that His love prevails over all turmoil, trouble and trauma. For the believer, the great thing about trials is that Christ goes through them with us and in the trial we can experience deep intimacy. But we see this reality throughout the Scripture. That means He doesn't have to clear anything with anybody! Is it realistic that both joy and grief can exist together? While in the fire, they found the Son of God there with them. We can rejoice in our trials because those who are faithful will be honored and praised by God. We see the man Job, memorialized in Scripture for his faithfulness in going through trials. Listen to what Christ said: Be faithful and you will be rewarded. He extols the virtue of fearing the Lord and remembering His goodness. These have come so that your faithof greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by firemay be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (emphasis mine).1 Peter 1:67. If Satan, who was originally an angel without a sin nature, fell into pridehow much more likely a human who was exalted to write near half of the New Testament? Praising God in the hard times doesn't minimize or deny heaviness of heart. Look at what Paul says: That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Interpretation Question: Why would some trials be necessary and in what ways? Paul said something similar in 2 Corinthians 4:1718: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. In Psalm 34, David reminds us that we should praise God through the good times and bad. Praise in the Midst of Problems. Mechanical instruments are not suited to this. His law may not seem good or fair to men - - but God is God; He is the Judge of all the earth; His name shall endure forever, and this is about SOVEREIGNTY! Begin with a Bible verse of praise, a pre-written prayer, or even a worship song. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. These cookies do not store any personal information. Let's step forward together and learn practical ways to live into God's possible! Glory. What is the next reason we can rejoice in trials? It tells your eyes that despite what you may see - you have a Creator. Peter says it is possible for these believers to have both great joy and grief in the midst of their trials. These praises are not always after victory. This is not true faith. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. It is a mystery, but God brings comfort through the broken. This happened to the church of Ephesus, and it is common for us. 1. Its extremely important because it so easy to lose the joy that should be ours. Some years ago I visited a man who was wealthy and successful. It is to recognize the fact that they can exist together. God rewards those who faithfully persevere. Listen to a few other texts: Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. We are edifying one another, and reminding ourselves of the promises of the gospel. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. When David was confronted by Nathan about his sin and as repentance worked inside of David and bore fruit, he had these thoughts of God. At times there is an unhealthy form of the gospel taught in the church. Eph 1:11; Rom 8:28). It is simple - praise to God reminds you that you are not alone. It lasts for a very long time. In the same way, trials are necessary in order to prove the reality of ones faith. Our short fifty to seventy years are all about preparing for eternity, not just getting into heaven. So amid cheers and to the sound of ram's horns, David and all the people of Israel carried the ark of the LORD. It will become drudgery. You will find that it is in the fire that your intimacy with Christ becomes the greatest. Listen to what he says in 1 Peter 1:6: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (emphasis mine). Hi, I'm Kathryn! Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Heb 12:11). But I will sing of your strength;I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.For you have been to me a fortressand a refuge in the day of my distress.O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,for you, O God, are my fortress,the God who shows me steadfast love. Our Father knows whats best as well. WE PRAISE GOD IN PRAYER when we follow Jesus instruction, and express our adoration for Him -- "Hallowed be Thy Name," (Matt. In the situation of the Corinthians, this included weakness, sickness, and even death. David writes in Psalm 142:4b-7, no one cares for my soul. He teaches you how to better hear Gods voice in times of suffering. If faith is genuine, it will last until the revelation of Christ when he comes, and it will result in praise, glory, and honor from God (v. 7). Trials help us evaluate our faith. Look at what Paul said about his trials in 2 Corinthians 6:10: Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (emphasis mine). Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know we are being prepared for eternity and an eternal destiny? David brought his reign to a close talking to God, and talking to His people about God. In fact, James talks about a faith without works, as demonic faith. He says even the demons believe and shudder (Jas 2:19). All this will enable you, in a special way, to be able to minister to others. In the midst of pain, God creates a reservoir in you. Observation Question: What is Peter referring to when he says in this you greatly rejoice? I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "you are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.". Ownership. This means that my trial with depression is used to help believers who have experienced trials that are different from mine. PRAISE GOD because He is your God! Praise God in the storms, through the battles, and when life gets hard. 10:1). For those who are trained by going through hardship, it produces a harvest of righteousness. We are creatures of time here on earth - He is timeless, "from everlasting to everlasting." It was beautiful, but when they put it into fire, they found out it wasnt. Paul said he was at the same time sorrowful and still rejoicing. To have joy in trials is not to deny pain. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Today, how do Christians do this? Paul said he had learned that God comforted him in the midst of trouble so he could comfort those in any trouble. Let praise bring you up above what you see in the world right now. When the struggles begin to close in, you may find yourself without the words to pray, unable to find those words of prayer and praise. Learn to PRAISE GOD in the midst of trouble from King David himself. Focus on our relationship with Christ; trials can bring deep intimacy with Christ. We rejoice because trials bring a greater future glory. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Why is that? He knows exactly what you need and how much you can handle. Look at the life of any truly godly man or woman, and you will see that godliness has always been marked by trials. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: They . Charles Spurgeon, who was called the Prince of Preachers, used to struggle with depression that was so bad at times he couldnt leave his bed for weeks. This is really happening. Below are 20 verses of praise to help you get started. Many have experienced this in athletics or the military, as they have gone through both joys and difficulties with those around them. In fact, it seems like a very emotional conversion. However, this persons faith was very shallow and didnt last. He did this with Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5. This is the straight out truth from me. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me, Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct, Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular, The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire, Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular, Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular, To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor, David praises God for the truth of his word, He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT Poetry: Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst (Psalm Ps Psa. Victory. James says blessed, or happy, is the man who perseveres under trial. That is similar to genuine faith. The writer uses the word hardship to refer to any kind of trial we go through. (1) We must confess our sins and turn away from them. This is Paul's outburst of praise, informed by revelation - and inspired by the sovereignty of God. Application Question: What are common responses to suffering? If we only are thinking about tomorrow, next year, or thirty years from now, we will not have a sustainable joy. 118:15). This life is not just about our future career, marriage, or retirement. God is characterized by GLORY, and that means everything about God signifies the highest esteem and honor -- He exhibits or exudes that which causes men to praise Him. David in writing the Psalms expresses many praises to the Lord. In Esther 3, we are introduced to an evil man, Hamanwho is a type of the anti-Christ to come. Proud member As he speaks of the futility and darkness and ignorance of idolatry he says they exchanged the glory of God for images made to look like man and animals (Rom. Let us hear that this inheritance is not only heavenly, but it will be earthly. The father makes the child finish the season only because its necessary for his growth. This is where he prepares his counselors. The point the author is trying to make, is that God is in control of every hardship a believer goes through (cf. Matthew (164). We have probably seen this in some of the people God has chosen to use in the greatest ways. Or, does it pull you away from him, his people, and his will for your life? Listen, if you are truly born again, you are kept by Gods power until the coming of salvation which will be revealed at the coming of Christ (1 Pet 1:5) and not the power of your faith. Peter fell away and came back because he had genuine faith. In Romans one Paul is explaining how sin had developed and flourished in the human race - in particular, the Gentiles. I dont necessarily have to experience exactly what they have gone through to comfort them. Is he God your Protector? And certainly in all my behavior, I should bear in mind how Great my Father is. So, it is exceedingly important to follow David's lead - and ascribe praise to God for His glory. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. What other reasons can we rejoice in trials? Many of them just dont have the experience of going through trials with God yet. Faithful children of Israel would sing about this - - "Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand has done mighty things'." If it melts early, it is not real. This is Deut. In the modern religious world there are flattering words expressed to the Father and Son, and much talk of praising God but little obedience to give that sentiment meaning. My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,your praises all day long. Find, read and study the passages in the Bible where men and women prayed. Thats why the author uses a general term for hardship. And You have put to shame those who hate us. _________________________________________________. This is not their fault, and it is not necessarily a lack of spirituality. He wrote to the Philippians about "the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have" ( Philippians 1:30) a conflict, which he says, "really served to advance the gospel" ( Philippians 1:12 ). When the children of Israel came out of Egypt, the Amalekites would kill children, the elderly, and those who were tiredly straggling behind. God - Who is God to you at this very moment? The promise of Romans 8:28 is only true if our salvation and inheritance are secure; only then can all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. David praises God for the truth of his word 4. Listen to the story of the seed sown upon rocks. With this new birth, we receive an inheritance in heaven (v. 4). Ask the three Hebrews who were thrown into the fire in Babylon. Focus on Gods sovereignty and purpose in trials. These were his thoughts, not only at the end of his life but throughout his life. And the God of peace will be with you.Philippians 4:89. Power belongs to God. In Psalm 34, David reminds us that we should praise God through the good times and bad. Lets look at a couple of reasons why trials would be necessary. A lot of times we dont talk about false faith in church, but it is a reality. Application Question: What are some ways we can focus on our faith in trials in order to keep our joy? It was hard work to serve for her, but it felt like only a few days because of love. 3 who forgives all your sins. How can we live this type of Christian life in the various multicolored trials we go through? 3. David says, "In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. My calling to ministry was also marked by trials. 1 Ryle, J. C. (1993). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Its only the broken whom he can pour his precious grace through to minister to others. He professes his confidence in God Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (7) This verse echoes Psalm 23:4; Psalm 30:3; Psalm 71:20. For many, when they go through a church split or they were harmed by a church leader, they fall away from the faith and never return. They "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." In what way is this temporary? Living through a stormy season? When we pray God's promises back to Him and declare the beauty of His character as revealed in the Scriptures we align ourselves with . Are you facing battles in your life? Fueled by loads of coffee, I'm passionate about helping and encouraging you along this journey, too! He writes to encourage them. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (emphasis mine).1 Peter 1:89. God has chosen not reveal it. There is a deep intimacy created, which is often hard to replicate apart from the experience of trials.