Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, THAT your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 THAT ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till (with a view toward being ready for) the Day of Christ. 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
| Day 10—The trouble we face can be a holy time that will make us stronger and better. |
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Some find it difficult to receive the concept that trouble can benefit us. The Psalmist David didn’t hold this idea. Through the years, this unusual passage has spoken much to my own heart.
Psalm 139:12,13a.—Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike (to Thee). For thou hast possessed my reins…
(MSG) It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.
The above verses come from the King James Version. In the Original, there is a different reading that can come forth. At the conclusion of the words ...the darkness and the light are both alike, the words “to Thee” do not occur. This causes the string of words to take on a very different and significant meaning. Leaving “to Thee” out, here’s how they might read: “The darkness and the light are both alike, for thou hast possessed my reins.” Because the Lord has possessed my reins, there is no difference in the darkness or the light.
“My reins” speaks of my self-awareness. Ephesians Truth alters that in us. We begin to know ourselves “in Christ.” Our self-awareness becomes an awareness of Him. Because we know ourselves in Him, and we know Him in ourselves, there is no difference in the darkness of trouble or in the freedom of light. Who we are remains the same, whether in trouble or in peace. Thus, we go through our difficult times with an awareness of who we are in Him—and Who He is in us.
DEAR LORD, I praise You for bringing me toward the place where all I know is You. You are helping me see You in others. You are helping me know You in the dark paths where trouble lurks. You are teaching me how faithful You are when there is no provision that anyone can see. Oh, my GREAT REDEEMER, how I praise Your Name!
“He predestined us to be adopted by Himself as sons through Jesus Christ
—such being His gracious will and pleasure.”
—Ephesians 1:5,6Weymouth
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