July 14 - The Afflictions Of The Righteous.

Psalm 34:19
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
 
We are only righteous because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ has been imputed to us. His afflictions were many. He bore the weight of our sin, enduring the wrath of God for us. He was scourged and crucified; experiencing nearly every bodily wound suffered pain and agony beyond description. He was forsaken by God the Father because of our sin, yet despite all these afflictions…”the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
 
Christ rose from the grave victorious, defeating every affliction He had suffered. This is yet another example to us that God can deliver us from any affliction that we suffer. We can cry to Him, and He will not only hear us, but He will deliver us!
 
Psalm 34:17-22
“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”
 
When we trust in Christ’s finished work on Calvary as payment for our sin, we have His righteousness imputed on us, or put to our account. Just as our sin was imputed onto Him when He took our punishment, we are imputed with His righteousness.
 
Notice how in verse 19 it speaks of “the LORD delivereth him out of them all”, then in verse 22 it is turned to plural – “The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”
 
We are redeemed and delivered because of our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! Our afflictions in this life may be many, but we can claim to this promise:
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
 
Dwell in His presence today, and thank Him for imputing His righteousness upon you. No matter what trouble you face today, you can have peace because He has promised to deliver you!
 
In His presence I will dwell,
Where it is well. It is well!
There is peace in my despair; Knowing God will hear my prayer;
And I will cling to the promise that He brings.
Even death will have no sting, no power in hell.
In His presence I will dwell, where it is well!
The Isaacs
 
 
Bible Reading:
II Chronicles 13-14  |  I Timothy 5  |  Proverbs 15