Always

While reading of Job’s deep depression, recently, I was struck by an encouragement. Satan was the one causing Job’s distress and discouragement; God was simply allowing His servant this experience to show the universe that Job was dedicated to Him. If this depression was the result of the devil’s actions and was yet overseen by our kind Father, surely no less occurs today. Depression and discouragement doesn’t result from the hand of the Lord. The same as in the days of old occurs today— God is allowing us to be tested.

Imagine if Job had known the source of his trial—would he have not stood firmly from the beginning? If he had but understood that God meant him nothing but well, would he not have been a different man under trial?

No less today, for we know from history’s record. Surely we should not be cast down.

This revelation of the trials allowed in our lives has been an encouragement to me in these days where the devil has been striking in my very home. Although there is weeping, heartache, and concern for the future, I have been revived in faith through God’s Holy Word.

In the time of trial, Lo I am with thee

In hour of crisis, Lo I am with thee

In the moment of agony, Lo I am with thee

Lo I am with thee… Always. Forever and always, God is with us. He is my beginning – He will be my end. Through this bitterness of trial, God is with me. He is with us.

“For the Lord will not cast off forever.
Though He causes grief, 
Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies. 
For He does not afflict willingly, 
Nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:31-33

Though I feel the lamentations of Jeremiah keenly, Lo I am with thee always.

I can’t see the end, but I rest assured that through even this experience, though not as great as Job’s, God wants to show His servants faithful to Him to the entire universe.

The Great I AM is refining. Until perfection and beyond—

always.

 (photo: web)