Freedom Calls

Life has a way of testing our faith, doesn’t it? I remember a time when everything seemed to be falling apart and I wondered, Why do the righteous face so many afflictions? But in the midst of that storm, I clung to a promise from God’s Word: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV). That verse has become my lifeline, reminding me that while troubles are inevitable, God’s deliverance is certain.

The Reality of Afflictions

Let’s be honest—being a follower of Christ doesn’t exempt us from hardship. In fact, sometimes it feels like the opposite is true. The righteous often face trials because of their faith. Psalm 34:19 acknowledges this head-on: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” It’s a sobering reminder that pain, loss, and struggle are part of the journey. But the verse doesn’t stop there. It offers a powerful assurance: “But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

This psalm was written by David during one of the darkest chapters of his life. He was on the run from King Saul, who wanted him dead, and found himself in enemy territory, pretending to be insane to escape capture (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Yet, even in that moment of fear and uncertainty, David chose to praise God and affirm His protection. His words in Psalm 34 are not just poetry—they’re a testimony of trust in God’s deliverance, born from real affliction.

God’s Promise of Deliverance

The beauty of Psalm 34:19 lies in its promise: no matter how many afflictions we face, God will deliver us from every single one. This doesn’t mean we won’t suffer or that the road will be easy. It means that God is with us in the fire, and He will bring us through it. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” (from The Problem of Pain). Our afflictions, though painful, can draw us closer to God and deepen our reliance on His strength.

Max Lucado echoes this sentiment in his book You’ll Get Through This: “You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good.” The afflictions we face aren’t wasted—they’re opportunities for God to display His power and faithfulness. And just as David experienced deliverance from his enemies, we too can trust that God will rescue us, even when the odds seem impossible.

Scriptures That Reinforce God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 34:19 isn’t the only verse that assures us of God’s deliverance. Throughout Scripture, we see this theme repeated:

• Romans 8:28 (NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Even in affliction, God is working for our good.

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV): “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Though we face trials, we are never abandoned.

• Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV): “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” God’s presence is our protection.

These verses remind us that affliction is temporary, but God’s deliverance is eternal. He doesn’t just deliver us from some troubles—He delivers us from them all.

A Personal Reflection

I’ve seen this truth play out in my own life. During that season of fear and uncertainty, I felt overwhelmed. But as I leaned into prayer and God’s Word, I began to sense His peace. Miraculously, my profound challenges started melting away, and though I did lose my picture of what I wanted. Looking back, I can see how God was delivering me, even when I couldn’t see the way forward.

Rick Warren once said, “Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days—when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great—and you turn to God alone.” In those moments of affliction, when we have nowhere else to turn, God meets us with His presence and power.

Living in the Promise

So, how do we live out the truth of Psalm 34:19? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Afflictions: Don’t deny the pain or pretend everything is fine. Like David, bring your fears and struggles to God.

2. Trust in God’s Timing: Deliverance may not come when or how we expect, but God’s timing is perfect. Hold onto His promises.

3. Praise Him in the Storm: Follow David’s example—choose to praise God even in the midst of affliction. It shifts your focus from the problem to the Provider.

4. Encourage Others: Share your testimony of God’s deliverance with those who are still in the thick of their trials. Your story could be the hope they need.

A Final Word of Hope

Afflictions are part of the Christian journey, but they are not the end of the story. God’s promise in Psalm 34:19 is clear: He will deliver the righteous from every trouble. Whether it’s through healing, provision, or a new opportunity, God’s deliverance is certain. As you face your own afflictions, remember that you are not alone. God is with you, and He will see you through.

Take heart today: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Let this truth be your anchor, your hope, and your song of praise.