Salvation Outweighs Suffering

Posted on March 6, 2019 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation. (Psalm 35:9)

No one looks forward to times of suffering, but knowing how we will suffer is a choice we can make today. Habakkuk was pondering about and preparing for the future. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Habakkuk doesn’t know for sure that these things will come to pass. If they do he is determined to trust in the sovereignty of God no matter what the circumstances. There may not be any easy answers, quick resolutions or promises that the future will get any better. Of this he is confident,  Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  He takes joy in the fact that God is his salvation regardless of what may come.

As you and I face the unknown, do we choose worry or worship? Do we rebel against what has come or do we rejoice? Is our joy in our circumstances or in Jesus Christ who died to save us?

C.J. Mahaney in Living the Cross Centered Life says, “He (Habakkuk) turned his attention away from suffering and fixed it upon the more vital issue of salvation. In your own times of severe distress which are you more aware of – your suffering or your salvation?”

The Puritan Thomas Watson says, “Your sufferings are not so great as your sins. Put these two in the balances and see which weighs heaviest.”

The days ahead are unclear. Like Habakkuk, I do not know what may or may not happen. Suffering will certainly come.  When it does will you and I choose to rejoice in the Lord? Will our joy be in the God of our salvation?

Kathy Withers

This devotional was first published in Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2.

Written by Kathy Withers Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 1-2, 1 Corinthians 1| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “You may readily judge whether you are a child of God or a hypocrite by seeing in what direction your soul turns in seasons of severe trial. The hypocrite flies to the world and finds a sort of comfort there. But the child of God runs to his Father and expects consolation only from the Lord’s hand.” – Charles Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” – Psalm 27:8

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