Two keys to persevering on this road of life are (1) knowing that God is in control, and that even though we don’t always know what He’s doing, we can always know He is acting in wisdom and mercy, and (2) knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Today’s installment of Peace in the Storm is a reminder of that light at the end of the tunnel. The journey to the light seems unbearable at times, and we just want to give up. At one of those low moments, I was encouraged by Psalm 12:5-6.
Here are a few different Bible translations of those verses (the underline/bold is from me, highlighting how the same statement is rendered in each translation):
5 The LORD replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do."
6 The LORD’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over.
New Living Translation5 "Because of the oppression of the weak
and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise," says the LORD .
"I will protect them from those who malign them."
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
purified seven times.
New International Version5 "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,
Now I will arise," says the LORD;
"I will set him in the safety for which he yearns."
6 The words of the LORD are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
New King James Version
And finally, I love the way The Message captures this passage:
5 Into the hovels of the poor,
Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:
"I’ve had enough; I’m on my way
To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched."
6 God’s words are pure words,
Pure silver words refined seven times
In the fires of his word–kiln,
Pure on earth as well as in heaven.
It reminds me of the words God spoke to Joshua: “I will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Even when adverse circumstances arise, God is not far away. We are always in His view, and at some point, whether today, tomorrow, or on the doorstep to eternity, He will rise up and say “I’ve had enough; I’m on my way” to heal you and take you to that safe place that you yearn for. What a beautiful day that will be! While we’re waiting, we have the assurance of His pure and flawless words. Let us encourage one another to keep the faith.
