Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, ¹³ That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity.        Psalm 94:12-13 (AMP)

Have you ever taken the time to think about how you handle pressure?   Do you run and hide? Does it paralyze you? It is good to take an honest assessment of how we deal with life.  It is a known fact that we will have challenges.  Life will not always hand us ideal situations but giving up is not a viable option. You can’t just opt out every time things get a little heated.   If we faint in the day of adversity our strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). In order to win in life, we must have perseverance and endurance.  James 1: 4 states, “Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

As I take a look at our key scripture text, I am reminded of God’s love for us.  We are truly fortunate to have a Father that disciplines and instructs us.  He is always teaching us.  It is our job to be teachable and make sure we are paying attention to the lessons of our lives.  This verse also stresses that the Lord gives us power to keep ourselves calm in the days of adversity. Where does that power come from?  I believe it is a direct result of what we learn from the Word of God and our union with Him. It is good to know that our God is strategic.  Everything He does has purpose.  Nothing that we encounter surprises Him.  He uses the hardships of our journey to mold us and shape us into a vessel that is pleasing to Him. 

When you are faced with difficult issues, take the time needed to consult the word of God. It is through His word that we will find the ammunition that we need to keep us firmly planted as the pressures of life mount. We will be able to stand still and not pull back or retreat when times are hard as we consult His word for guidance.  My prayer for you today is that you will begin to desire the sincere milk of the Word and allow it to strengthen you in your everyday walk.  Be teachable and allow the Lord to train and instruct you in the way that you should go. It will be well with you.

 Father your word teaches us that we can trust you in our daily lives. I pray that we will take the time needed to learn the lessons that you are teaching us. I pray that we will be students of your word, desiring it as our necessary food.

Grace and Peace,
Mary

© Mary Pinckney August 2013, excerpt from Be Attitudes: A Devotional Journey To A Healthier Happier You
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