Afflictions and Deliverance

 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19)

I don't like conflict, bad news, or discomfort of any sort. My natural tendency is to avoid challenges at all costs. Some people run toward trouble, I run away. I know this well about myself which is why I've learned to force myself to endure hard things. As I read this passage, it is clear that afflictions are unavoidable, inevitable, and are probably right around the corner.  

It's a little scary to realize that walking righteously on this earth doesn't protect you from problems.  But despite the inevitable challenges that life brings, deliverance is available. I must accept that I will face challenges and difficulties, but God is there. Two truths stand out in this passage. 1) You can be righteous and still afflicted.  2)You can be afflicted, but delivered from them all. 

What truth do you prefer to dwell on?  The afflictions or the deliverance? I choose to dwell on the deliverance. 

Thank You in advance for the deliverance from the afflictions that are yet to come. I trust that you will deliver me from them all. This truth I hold in my heart. Thank you for the deliverance, I know the afflictions will come. In spite of this, I choose to be grateful.