Psalm 98

The trials of this life, even those that we know to be small compared to what others are facing, can still feel overwhelming. We desperately need the heavenly perspective of the Apostle Paul, but we may not know how to get it. He writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Where can you find this kind of hope in a time of affliction? It comes as the gift of God through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. It is a gift from the One who suffered for you and is able to sympathize with you in your weakness. He sends this gift from His throne in heaven. This gift may not seem to be yours at this very moment, but wait for it with the mustard-seed of faith that the Lord has granted to you.

As you wait, it may seem strange to you that some in the Lord's Israel are able to sing songs of praise to God. You too will sing a new song to the Lord, either here below, or in the kingdom above where you will find fullness of joy at the Lord's right hand.

Your cloud of pain or grief may obscure your vision today, but the Lord has done marvelous things. His eternal plan is very good, and so is every step toward its sure completion. Only by His wisdom can the horrifying cross of Christ become stupendous to us. In the light of the great salvation that God is working for us now, even your current troubles will work toward a shining end.

Only His hand could do what He has done. Who else has the power and the love to bring about a kingdom of glorious light and to entirely overturn all the wretchedness of the curse?

The Lord is working out a great salvation. Though it is true that some have not heard about it yet, and that even you may not feel it right now, it is not entirely hidden. He has made known His righteousness in the sight of the nations. The glory of the Suffering Messiah of Israel is being preached everywhere. His steadfast love and faithfulness is ours to tell, and we are not hiding it under a basket. We are singing about it.

“All the ends of the earth” are joining in the song. When one of the suffering servants who trusts in the cross of Christ is able to sing a new song to the Lord, the power of heaven begins to shine on earth, and those who still live in darkness see a light that may make them wonder.

That is what happened in a jail to Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25. These men were in an inner prison with their feet in stocks. They did not have any musical instruments, but they used what they had where they were, and the prisoners were listening.

Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord of Israel, the Lord of all the earth. Is it possible that you can whisper a song in your weakness. “Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side.” That is a start. “Be Thou my vision.” Turn to Him. “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty...” More and more your focus is drawn to God who rules in heaven. He can bring an earthquake that sets the prisoner free.

The seas know how to sing to the Lord. The rivers can clap their hands. The hills will sing for joy together. He comes. The King who died on a cross comes. He will judge the earth. He will save you. His love is very near to you even now.