Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:21-26 (NIV)
The Lord is good to all who wait for Him – He rises each day to dispense His mercy. All the blessings of life come from His loving Hand – even those wrapped in the clothing of troubles and hardships. The promise of Romans 8:28 tells us that whatever is allowed in the lives of His heirs of mercy – while in and of itself may not be inherently good – it is assured to work out for our good. Even if at present we are unable to comprehend how that could possibly be so. The fact is, we have God’s Word on it.
God is in the process of conforming us into the image of His Son and He uses many things and many ways to do this not the least of which are our circumstances. As He is making us as diamonds for His diadem, we must remember that all diamonds have flaws and that flaws authenticate it is a true diamond. It is much the same way for the Christian, Our troubles and flaws indicate our authenticity. Indeed, like the diamond, we declare ourselves fake when we seek to present ourselves flawless. Remember, all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. God seeks to make beauty out of our ashes of troubles and flaws so the whole world can see what God has done in His vessel of mercy. God does God-sized things and He gets the glory. Meaning, others hear about Him and turn to Him. He will never own what mere man can do.
Our God is a good portion. Indeed, He is never scanty in His giving as He lovingly overflows our cups. His fresh batch of faithfulness rises with the dawn and He will be no man’s debtor. We are to wait on the Lord and keep His way – His timing is always perfect.
Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Psalms 37:34-40 (NIV)