Many are the distresses of the righteous,
but ADONAI [the LORD] delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:20[19], TLV

A Perfect Life?   Reading a verse or passage in context with at least one chapter — especially Psalms — is necessary to fully understand its meaning. Yes, yes, yes. I know I keep repeating this cautionary exhortation, but do you know how many sweet souls who love Jesus and over the years have become discouraged? Too many.

Read apart from the whole chapter, today’s verse seems to imply that the LORD will deliver us from every trouble. So many go as far as to say if a person has trouble, then somehow they have angered or offended GOD. I’m cringing at the thought of that misunderstanding. And my heart breaks for those who believe — and I was once one of those — and are discouraged. Even doubting GOD’s love for them.

” . . . These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom [peace]. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33, TLV)

The reality is this chapter of psalms was written by or about David, “when he feigned insanity before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.” (vs. 1, TLV) David was still on the run, and clearly, we know David trudged through a life of family and political problems, but he had peace when he remembered who ADONAI was. When he worshiped Him.

We’re going to have problems in this world because this world is corrupt. Humanity’s choices have repercussions. Yet, Yeshua says that He has overcome the world. Even though it may appear that we’re drowning in a sea of sin and tribulation, look up. He’s there.

If you can takeaway two things from this little devotion, I would rest easier. 🙂 One: read verses in context. Two: you are never alone. The perfect life we seek is over the horizon waiting for us.