I will render praises to You, for You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? (Psalm 56:12-13)

Is there a time when we are justified in withholding praises from God? Of course not, meaning that we should bless God in times of misfortune just as quickly as we would bless God in good times. Even when we are subjected to His stern correction, we should determine within ourselves to be grateful because He always has our best interests in mind. As it is written, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

Even when experiencing the not-so-good times, we are given the opportunity to see God’s care and provision; as David said: “You delivered my soul from death and kept my feet from falling.” In other words, if it were not for these difficult times, how would we know that God delivered us from death; how would we know that He prevented us from falling into the enemy’s snare?

This concept is underscored by Job’s experience. He was intentionally subjected to the Adversary’s attack but, from God’s point of view, not to be destroyed. To the contrary, the adversity was intended to prove him, and to demonstrate God’s ability to save His people from certain death. In fact, Satan was told that he could do most anything he wanted to, except he was not allowed to take his life. In other words, even though Satan was allowed to have his way, he was on a leash. He could go only as far as God allowed.

I believe that is something you and I need to keep in mind; even when we’re in the midst of distress, God will only allow so much to touch our lives. In fact, I’m of the view that whatever hardship we are subjected to, it is calibrated to where we are in our walk; as it is written: “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). When He allows hardship to touch our life, it’s always on a leash because death and destruction is not His aim; to the contrary, abundant life is His goal for us. Knowing this is true should provoke us to always give thanks, in the good times and the bad times. As it is expressed in the words of an old song:

“So I thank God for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys; and I thank Him for the storms He’s brought me through. For if I’d never had a problem, I’d never know God could solve them; I’d never know what faith in His word could do.”

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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