“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalms 34:18)
Going through setbacks, hardships and trials are difficult and can be discouraging if you let them, but they are also a blessing and an offering.
They are a blessing because in those moments that we feel pressed in on every side, weighed down by the pressures of life, and hurt, dismayed, or downtrodden, we are actually able to feel the nearness of the Father on a level we don’t experience when everything is going well. When things are going perfectly or according to plan, we seldom stop and seek the face of the Lord (His presence). But when we are in the middle of the storm or in the lion’s den, or in the dark of night, He is there with us. His face is so close to us in those moments. More so than at any other time in our lives.
Our suffering attracts the sweet embrace of The Comforter.
Trials and grief and tribulations are an offering because only here, on earth, can we experience pain and discomfort and suffering. When we are in heaven, we will feel no pain, have no displeasure and never again suffer. Our suffering here on the earth is a sweet savor, a beautiful aroma, a delightful and pleasant offering to the Lord of Hosts. We should feel privileged to be able to offer up our suffering to the Father while we still are able. Once we pass to the next life, we will no longer be able to offer these pearls to Him. Pearls are produced by the suffering (irritation) of an oyster or mussel.
Offer your best pearls before the Lord while you still can!
James 1:2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.”
Psalms 94:19 AMP
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