Troubles are common to all people. Even people who try to do good by honoring God and following his ways, are going to experience some type of adversity. A particular verse in the Bible, Psalm 34:19, states this very clearly. Most translations use the word “affliction” to describe the condition. For example, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) says, “The afflictions of the righteous are many, But the Lord rescues him from them all” (Psalm 34:19, NASB).
Below are some other expressions of Psalm 34:19.
The Amplified Bible (AMP) reinforces,
“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.”
Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translates this as,
“One who is
righteous has many adversities,
but the Lord rescues him
from them all.”
The Passion Translation (TPT) puts it this way,
“The Lord is near to those who are in despair, and save those who have lost all hope”
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) says,
“The Lord’s
people may suffer a lot,
but he will
always bring them safely through.”
The Good News Translation (GNT) reads,
“Good people
suffer many troubles,
but the Lord saves
them from them all.”
The Living Bible (TLB) reiterates,
“The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one.”
The Message (MSG) decrees,
“Disciples so
often get into trouble;
still, God is there
every time.”
Besides trouble being common to all, what is the other reoccurring theme in this verse? Yes, you got it! God rescues! That is the good news.
God is near, God helps. God saves. God delivers. God rescues, not just once or twice, but EVERY time the need arises. God provides Jesus as our Refuge. Jesus is our access to all of God’s salvation. Jesus is the answer for the world today, and for all times.
Another awesome thought brought out in Psalm 34, is in verse 7 which says, “If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you” Psalm 34:7 (CEV). God has angels doing his work on our behalf. Many Bible translations use the word “encamp” to describe the angels positioning. Picture angels camped out, ready to spring into action on behalf of those people who honor God, yet still find themselves in some kind of trouble.
Trouble may be close, but God is always closer. Trouble may seem real, but God’s reality rescues from trouble. Receiving Jesus as our Savior and following his teachings, sets in motion the deliverance we need to take care of the troubles that may come our way. My hope is anyone reading this will receive the Refuge of Jesus. Please contact me if you want to, but don’t know how.
by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry
