A Word to The Troubled in Heart

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; in despair: or, altogether without help, or, means Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

    “We are troubled” and oppressed in every way. We are never free from one trial or another. We are in the world and expect tribulations (John 16:1-4, 33; 15:19-20), yet we are “not distressed.” We have the peace of God, the manifestations of his love and care, a freedom to the throne, and sufficient grace for every trial (2 Cor. 12:9). “We are perplexed;” the word signifies doubting and uncertainty. We are often uncertain and in doubt about what will happen to us; and sometimes we know not what to do, which way to take, nor how our needs shall be supplied; but we are “not in despair.” We do not despair of the leadership, help, presence, and support of our Lord. We are “persecuted” of men, cursed, threatened, and despised because we profess Christ and preach Christ crucified, risen, and exalted. But we are “not forsaken” of our Lord, who owns us and causes us always to triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).

    Neither are we forsaken by those who love Christ, for they support us in prayer and provisions. We are “cast down” like an earthen vessel is sometimes cast out or thrown to the earth, seemingly forgotten and deserted. But we are “not destroyed.” We live by the mighty power of God and are immortal until his work in us, through us, and by us is done. Whatever the condition of God's children in this world, they have a “but not” to comfort them. Their case may be bad, but not hopeless; for he is their hope!

    Two things support the believer under any trial: first, seeing the Lord's hand and purpose in it all (Rom. 8:28) and second, looking by faith beyond this world to that glory which our Lord has prepared for those who love him. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen are eternal”(2 Cor.4:18).