I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.1
The promise seems like a paradox. Actually, there is no contradiction as we are not except from trouble; but we have the assurance that Jesus is with us when we are troubled. Jesus himself warned, Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.2 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.3 Jesus is our peace amidst the storm.4
Jesus also illustrates different scenarios in the Parable of the Sower; one in particular, the seeds sown on rocky ground are like those who hear the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet . . . when tribulation or persecution arise on account of the word, immediately he falls away.5 There is a certainty that trouble will arise due to the word. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,6—so what advantage does a disciple have? Everything! In contrast, the verse continues, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.7 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. His mischief returns upon his own head, . . .8
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long, we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.9
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.10
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.11 Jesus himself is our peace.12
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.13
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah14
May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.15 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Psalm 16:7-8
2. Luke 12:51-53
3. John 16:33
4. Mark 4:35-41
5. Matthew 13:20-21
6. 2 Timothy 3:12
7. 2 Timothy 3:13
8. Psalm 7:14-16
9. Romans 8:31-39
10. Psalm 16:8
11. Ephesians 1:2
12. Ephesians 2:14
13. Ephesians 6:23-24
14. Psalm 20:1-3
15. Psalm 20:4-8
