The lord is a refuge for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble . Psalm 9:9 (NIV)
Oppressed- governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom.
Oppressed- feelings Worried and uncomfortable
Trouble- a problem, or difficulties ( Cambridge English dictionary)
All living will somehow experience oppression and trouble to some degree. So I thank God he is my refuge and my stronghold.
I have someone who watches over me, one that counsels me. His love sustains me through the good, the bad and the uncertain times. I also experience his discipline. Scripture say he chastise those he loves, (Hebrews 11:6 ) Truth be told I’m not usually appreciative of this, but later on, as I learn it’s for my good, I get grateful.
So let’s think on that for a bit, if he chastises us because he loves us , that means that some of the trouble or oppression can come from him. However he is still our refuge and stronghold in times of trouble and oppression!
That is such a God thing, only he can put you down, or out and at the same time be bringing you up and into something better, simply amazing. Obviously , most times ,we don’t see it, or realize it in the moments, seasons it’s happening but till we go through .
David says in psalm 23: 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I Will fear no evil ; For you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
So when you are experiencing darkness so dark you can’t even see or think about light at the end . Know that somehow in someway God is still there. You may not feel him, but don’t rely on fickle feelings , find a way to hope, to believe and hold on to that!
The sooner you let him lead, you will get out of it and be better for it. Have you ever noticed that usually after you come out of darkness and get light , you can actually see. ( have understanding, insight, knowledge ,experience, wisdom) and know yourself better? Light allows you to see , we all know that and it’s amazing how it’s applicable inward not just out of yourself. The darkness will not last , as soon as light comes it has to disappear!
Trust the lord in your darkness and wait for him to bring you into light. Use the dark times as training for what you will do in the light. Be as good as you can be, as hopeful as you can be , as faithful as you can be in the dark , understanding you are not there alone. God has not abandoned you or forsaken you even if you are doubting.
I’m reminded of my favorite man in the Bible who experience this darkness and oppression, Joseph. He was oppressed and had severe trouble come upon him, especially from loved ones . Somehow like David , he believed God was still with him. If you read his story , the evidence is there, Joseph stayed as good as he could stay, was as faithful as he could, and kept hoping,trusting God.
He did not waste the darkness but made the most of it and he was blessed and favored, and lifted so high . He went from being put in a pit, and robbed of his coat that clothed him to a palace clothed in royalty. May have started with only a coat of many colors but ended up with many coats of many colors. He was in a prison in Egypt and got out and ruled all the land of Egypt and was second to pharaoh only in respect to the throne of Egypt .
Well I think if one would ask , what is the moral of this story?
You can have many , but this is/ are the ones I want to leave you with. Don’t allow the darkness (oppression,trouble) to count you out! Don’t believe that because you experience darkness , that is where you settle and live. Don’t think that it is the end of you, it can be the best thing that happens to you . Better is at the end.
If God can let this happen to Joseph and Joseph can say at the end that at first it was meant for evil BUT God intended it for my good. Please let me encourage you, keep walking, keep moving , it’s not over, you are not done , talk to God in your darkness, let him equip you, strengthen you , and comfort you.
Don’t you dare give up , God is no respecter of person , you can be Mr. and Miss wrong and he can make you right ! Your life is not over , get up , you are loved, wanted, treasured, desired, you are awesome , and don’t let anyone tell you any different ! You can have the best, live the best and be the best version of you still. Even damaged, broken ,bruised, wounded, come as you are, to the one and only who has life abundantly for you and a love so great you can’t even imagine.
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