God promises His presence in our afflictions. Is there a more memorable Sunday School story than that of the three Hebrew children who were thrown into the fiery furnace? Maybe. But it has to rank pretty high on the list. And why is this story so memorable? Besides being a great story of holy resolve, trust, loyalty, and faith, it is most memorable as a story of God’s presence with His people in affliction.
When Nebuchadnezzar threw the three children into the fiery furnace (which was heated so hot the men who threw them in were “burned alive”) we’re told that the Lord Himself was seen to be with them. The King said, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt” (Dan. 3:24-25). Edward Leigh said, “God will be with his [people] in the fire, as he was with the three children; and in the water, as he was with Moses and Jonah.” Do you understand what this means? God’s presence changes everything!
And then there’s also the familiar story of Jesus with His disciples in the boat during the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). So great was the storm that the water was coming up into the boat and the disciples (who were experienced fishermen!) were sure they would perish. But they forgot something. They forgot who it was that was with them in the boat. It was the Lord. The Lord, who not only created the sea and everything in it, but who also mightily governed it. In Job 38:8-11, the Lord reveals Himself to Job as the One “who shut in the sea with doors…and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed.’” The storm and waves were at His bidding and He was with them. No wonder the Lord questioned them as He did, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Their fear was ill-placed since He was with them.
Many saints have found great comfort in the Lord’s promise in Isaiah 43:1-3. He assures us with these words, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Why was Israel not to fear amidst affliction? Because the Lord their God was with them. And when Israel was captive in Babylon, suffering exile because of their own sins, what did the Lord assure them but that He was with them. He told Ezekiel, “Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them” (Ezek. 11:16).
And if we turn to the Psalms, there too we find very memorable passages which assure us of the Lord’s comfort and sustaining grace in affliction. In Psalm 23:4 David says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” “Why not, David? What is it that emboldens you to face such a threatening and ruinous valley? What is it that casts out all fear?” It’s the Lord’s presence with him. He says “…for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” And in Psalm 91:15 the Lord promises His presence with us in these words, “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.”
Now, what do all these verses have in common, but this: they recognize that while the godly are not exempt from trials, we enjoy an incomparable blessing in them all, namely, the presence of the Lord our God. Edward Leigh put it simply, “in the valley of the shadow of death, [the saints] may assure themselves of God’s merciful, omnipotent presence.” And having that, we have all. God’s presence with us in our afflictions changes everything.
As you face today’s trials remember, He is with you. You’re not alone. He’s promised to remove or prevent the trials that would ruin you (cf. tomorrow’s post); but in the trials that are good for you He’s promised to be with you the whole way… Comfort yourself with this truth today.
Check back tomorrow for Part 5 and I’ll show you how God promises to protect us against ruin.
**This post is an excerpt from my book written with Joel Beeke, Living by God’s Promises.
AMEN!!!