Not Be Greatly Shaken

When Jesus left the earth to return to His Father in heaven, He expressly told us that we would have trouble. The exact word He used in John 16:33 was the Hebrew word “thlipsis,” which in essence envelopes a whole host of unpleasant circumstances:  anguish, affliction, burdens, persecution, tribulation, and being crushed and pressed from all sides.

This doesn’t come as much surprise, seeing as many of us feeling this “crushing” and “pressing” very often in life.

Whether it’s standards we place on ourselves (all other perfectionists can understand this with me) or pressures from external avenues, we sometimes feel heavy and weighted, overwhelmed and inadequate.

And then there are the things that unexpectedly fall into our paths we’re trodding on, completely unforeseen and unpredictable. It may be the death of a loved one. It may be the loss of a job. It may be the foolish act of a suddenly rebellious child. It may be the diagnosis of an illness. It is in these trying times when our faith in the God who created us is tested the very most.

What are we called to do when hardships hit? (Notice I said “when”….not “if.”) We can take direct guidance from David, the writer of the Psalms.

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2, NASB

In Psalm 62:1, we see what we should strive to do. We should wait silently for God.

The key word here is “silently.” To wait silently doesn’t exactly include what we usually find ourselves doing. More often than not I’ve found myself senselessly complaining, donning a victim mentality, or wringing my hands with worry.

There are promises that follow in Psalm 62:2. HE ONLY (“He alone”) will be our stronghold. He alone will be our rock. He alone will be our salvation. And you know what else? We “shall not be greatly shaken.” The word “greatly” is here for a reason. It signifies that we will be shaken, but not “overmuch.” We may be rattled, but we will not be moved off course. Like a lighthouse’s light beam piercing through the blowing rain and fog, even an ever-tossing, storm-worn ship will find its refuge.

Meg is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 9 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her two children, five-year-old son “G” and three-year-old daughter “R.” When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her educational product reviews at Muse Reviews.

Tags: christian living, Encouragement, Hardships, Hebrew Meaning 'Thlipsis', Scripture, Trials, waiting for God, worry

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