Testimony in Adversity

1 FEBRUARY

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 45:18-25

God promises nothing in vain or to disappoint people, says the psalmist. This may seem a small matter, but when we consider more closely and attentively how prone we are to distrust and doubting, we will soon perceive the importance of realizing that our faith is supported by the assurance that God is not deceitful, that He does not delude or beguile us with empty words, and that He does not magnify His power or His goodness. Whatever He promises in word He will perform in deed.

We may frankly confess as David that the words of the LORD are pure. But those who liberally extol the truth of God’s word while lying in the shade and living in ease may think differently when they begin to struggle with adversity. They may not openly pour forth blasphemies against God, but they may privately charge Him with not keeping His word. When God delays to assist us, we may question His fidelity to His promises and murmur as if He has deceived us.

No truth is more generally received among people than that God is true, but few give Him credit for this when they are in the midst of adversity. It is, therefore, necessary for us to cut off distrust. Whenever any doubt respecting the faithfulness of God’s promises steals in upon us, we immediately ought to lift up a shield against it and affirm that the words of the Lord are pure.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: What adversity are you facing today? How is it affecting your attitude toward God and His promises? Remember: the words of the Lord are pure. Rest in them.

365 Days with Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke