by Brandy Webb

6 Blessed be the LORD,

for He has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.

Therefore my heart rejoices,

and I will thank Him with my song.

8 The LORD is the strength of His people,

a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.

9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;

shepherd them and carry them forever (Psalms 28:6-9).

I really love reading the Psalms, especially during trying times. David knew trials and strife. He understood tragedy and blessings. He made many mistakes, but he repented. He knew the healing power of forgiveness from God, and he also believed that God had his back. His testimony helps my faith because “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).

We must believe that God also has our backs especially when we are facing times that are overwhelming. I know that life can throw some pretty hard punches. However, we have a God that does care about us. We can see this truth throughout all of God’s Word. This is why it is important that we read it. His Word is a balm to our soul.

The deceiver of this world wants us to be distracted. He wants us to doubt our Creator. He wants us to think that God isn’t our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). The deceiver wants us to feel anxiety, fear, worry, and doubt. He wants us to think that we are alone in this world. However, it is by the shield of faith that we can “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

When we put our full trust in God and we put on His armor, we can have that peace that surpasses all understanding. We are serving a God that silences storms, that parts seas, that defeats armies without us having to lift a finger. He is our comforter, our redeemer, our healer, our safe place in times of trouble. He may not stop the storms from coming, but He can help us get through them. He may not answer our prayers the way we hoped, but He answers them the way He knows is best.

Silence the deceiver with God’s Word. Christ did not promise us a life without pain, but He promised that He will give us peace (John 14:27). Therefore, when life seems to be against us, take courage for the One who created the heavens and the earth is for us. 

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world”—Jesus (John 16:33).