Note: This week begins a four-part series on adversity. Charles Naylor is peculiarly qualified to discuss adversity. Naylor was injured in an accident as a young evangelist. He was an invalid for forty-one years under constant suffering. In 1930 he wrote: “Long ago I determined to be happy. I determined to be happy no matter what happened, and no matter what condition I might be in, nor what my circumstances might be. For twenty-one years I have kept my bed a constant sufferer, but I am happy. I am happy every day. I will not be any other way. I have had my troubles, many of them. I shall probably have more. I have learned that troubles do not make unhappiness. It is only a wrong attitude toward trouble that does so.”
David believed that God was interested in his adversities. He says, “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” (Psalm 31:7)
The writer of Psalm 94 says, “Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law.” (Psalm 94:12) Here is recognition of the fact that God is not indifferent to the things that trouble His children. These writers turned to God as to one from whom help might be expected. They believed God would understand their situation and that they could count on Him to assist them in their adversities. They felt that they could depend upon Him in their time of trouble and not be disappointed.
Did they have reason to believe these things? And if so, have we not equal reason to believe them and to act as though we believe? God has ever been the help of those who put their trust in Him. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Just to quote His promises to help, sustain, comfort, and bless in adversity; and His exhortations to be strong, of good courage, to be unafraid, and to be hopeful — would make a long chapter. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Moreover, none of these things was put into the Bible just to fill up space; neither are they just goody-goody make-believes. God means every one of them and stands ready to fulfill His promises and to make it possible for us to put His exhortations into effect. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
It is a wonderful thing to have God as a friend in the pleasant and desirable things of life. He can add greatly to all our natural blessings by His gracious fellowship and love and the sense of His abiding presence.
In our darker hours, when it seems we need Him more — we can confidently count on His unfailing help. Talking about having God as our helper is not a mere platitude. It can be realized. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)
God should be our confidant. We should take Him into the depths of all our troubles and pour out to Him all the tribulations of our hearts, all our sorrows, cares, anxieties, pains — everything that troubles us.
It always helps us when we share our troubles with a friend, especially if the friend is sympathetic and understanding. God is the most sympathetic and understanding of friends. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) So in our times of tribulation, let us run straight to Him and open wide our hearts and minds, and lay out before Him all those things that bring us anguish.
We should not only confide in Him our every heartache and pain — we should also rely upon Him to be a present help in every time of trouble. We should have that trusting confidence that assures us of His help to the full measure of our needs. “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)
