May 3

Morning

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world! — John 16:33 BSB

Are you asking why, believer?

Look up to your heavenly Father and behold His purity and holiness. Do you realize that you are destined to be like Him one day? Do you think this transformation will come easily? Don’t you need refining in the furnace of affliction to purify you? Will it be simple to rid yourself of your corrupt nature and become as perfect as your heavenly Father?

Now, Christian, look downward. Do you know the enemies you have beneath your feet? You were once a servant of Satan, and no king will willingly lose his subjects. Do you think Satan will leave you alone? Certainly not—he prowls “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” So expect trouble, Christian, as you look beneath you.

Then, look around you. Where are you? You are in enemy territory, a stranger and pilgrim in this world. The world is not your friend. If it is, then you are not God’s friend, for “anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Be assured, you will find enemies everywhere. When you sleep, know that you rest on a battlefield; when you walk, expect ambushes behind every hedge. Just as mosquitoes bite strangers more than natives, the trials of this world will sting you sharply.

Lastly, look within your own heart. What do you see there? Sin and self still reside within you! Even if you had no devil to tempt you, no enemies to fight, and no world to entangle you, you would still find enough evil within yourself to cause you trouble, for “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.”

So expect trouble—but don’t despair because of it. God is with you to help and strengthen you. He has promised, “I will be with you in trouble; I will deliver you and honor you.”

Evening

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. — Ps 46:1 BSB

Covenant blessings are not meant to be admired from afar—they are meant to be used and enjoyed. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for practical, present help. Believer, you are not making use of Christ as you ought. When you’re in trouble, why don’t you tell Him all your grief? Doesn’t He have a compassionate heart, ready to comfort and relieve you? Yet instead, you go to all your friends except your best Friend, pouring out your troubles everywhere except into the bosom of your Lord.

Are you weighed down by today’s sins? There’s a fountain filled with blood—use it, saint, use it! Has the sense of guilt returned to haunt you? The pardoning grace of Jesus is available again and again. Come to Him immediately for cleansing! Do you feel weak? He is your strength—why not lean on Him? Do you feel exposed? Come, soul, put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Don’t just look at it—wear it! Strip off your own self-righteousness and fears and clothe yourself in His pure, white linen, for it was made for you to wear.

Are you sick at heart? Ring the bell of prayer and call for the Beloved Physician! He will bring the remedy that will revive you. Are you poor? But you have a “kinsman, a mighty man of wealth.” Why not go to Him and ask Him to share His riches with you, especially when He has promised that you are a co-heir with Him, and everything He has is yours?

Jesus doesn’t want to be treated like an ornament, admired but unused. He loves to be employed by His people. The more burdens you place on His shoulders, the more precious He will become to you.