A monthly column by farmer, preacher and writer for Jesus, Angus Buchan
Even as we read the life story of King David, and we see the many hardships and many tribulations that he went through, he was continually in an attitude of praise and worship towards God.
Psalm 34:19 (NKJV), tells us very clearly “19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
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And we hear again in Romans 8:28 (NKJV), “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
David suffered numerous injustices at the hands of his enemies, the enemies of God. He could have become bitter and he could have become very disheartened, but he did not. He continued to worship God.
Job the farmer, was exactly the same. In fact, he stated in Job 13:15 (NKJV), “15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
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Our assurance is not in our circumstances, but rather in the promises of God. It is only in yielding our lives to God that we will find the assurance, the peace and the security that every single one of us so long for.
It is not so much holding on to God but rather abiding in God. John 15:7 (NKJV) says, “7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
We cannot afford to live our lives according to the different challenges we go through, otherwise we will become like the proverbial rollercoaster; one minute we’ll be up in the air when everything is going so well, and the next minute we’ll be down in the dumps because we’ve come up against a challenge in our lives.
Many a time we may not feel like praising the Lord because of some pressing concern or some problem or challenge, but we should remember that God never changes. “8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV).
So irrespective, we will praise the Lord. David says in Psalms 34:1 (NKJV), “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Even as we face some very testing times in our country at this time, we must remember that God is never-changing, He is always the same. Paul even rejoiced in his tribulation. He said in Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV), “3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
I find in my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ over these past 40 years, that the sweetest memories I have are probably the times when I was struggling the most, when I was in that black hole and there seemed to be no way out. It is in times like that, that the Lord was so sweet and so precious and so kind and so real to me.
There are other times when I have had amazing mountaintop experiences, where things have happened in my life that I would never dream possible. Yet, those times as special as they are, they do not compare when I’m in the dark place with the Holy Spirit standing next to me.
So may God bless you and do not be afraid of tough times. Remember, Robert Schuller said: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do”. You and I need to stand on God’s Holy Word like never, ever before.
God bless
Angus and Jill and the Shalom Team
Angus you are one of God’s “tough” men. Your spirit and example in tough times is an example to the rest of our nation. May the Lord use you in an even greater way in the year ahead. A message to all who criticized Angus recently, A man once said, “Don’t criticize another man until you have achieved more than he has”. Carry on with the good work, mighty man of God.
God bless you and your work and strengthen you more and more.
Thank you for your words of wisdom, comfort and encouragement. Your faith and obedience to God have encouraged me over the years and your faith and love for God lift me up and encourage me today. May we keep our eyes on Him . God bless you and strengthen you as you do what He has called you to.