“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.” Psalm 129: 2-3

How many times have we been overwhelmed by pain and sorrows. As Christians, we can experience persecution of all sorts. There are trials from the world, from our hearts, and Satan himself. It is natural to feel that we are swamped with many problems, especially if they are grievous and painful. The Psalmist described this feeling like long furrows plowed on his back.” Just imagine the pain this brings.

Yet this verse is not to discourage but actually to encourage. This verse tells us that even if we suffer great afflictions, the Psalmist gave us the certainty that these will not prevail against us.

Let’s hang on and be patient. A grumbling heart, we should avoid. Strengthen ourselves in the Lord, for He will not leave us nor forsake us. Let us not dwell on the physical or emotional pain we bear, but rather let us consider them as mentors who will make us better persons.

How blessed are we who are in the Lord! We are always in good company – even if they are debilitating pains of the body or the heart.

Prayer

Lord help us to yield to Your work in our souls. Let trials and pains draw us closer to You, for the glory of Your name. In Jesus we pray. Amen