Today's reading in John Piper's book Taste and See talked about Psalm 91 and how God's Word can be mishandled. That is one of Satan's favorite devices. Speaking of verses 7, 10, and 16, he asked whether it is true that a person of faith never dies in a battle, or gets a disease, or dies young. Are these promises absolutely true all of the time, meaning that if anything bad happens to you you are unbelieving, or is there another answer to this problem? He states that there are qualifications in these verses--whether it is God's will and for your good and His glory. Satan quoted parts of Psalm 91 when tempting Jesus. Jesus did not take the bait, and later terrible things did happen to Him--He was beaten, mocked, and died a painful death on the cross at a young age. Yet it was all part of God's plan and will for Him, and Jesus was victorious in the end. Mr. Piper points out that sometimes we will not get relief from our trials here, but rather in heaven.
Right now I am having some physical problems, and I thank the Lord for this reminder that even in the midst of difficulties, He loves and cares for me and will always do what is best, for my good and His glory. Someone (I think it may have been C.S. Lewis) has said that God shouts in our pain, and He certainly used it to get my attention. It hasn't been fun being in pain, but it has been refreshing to focus on the Lord and His purposes and trust in Him.
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