This Psalm reviews the trials and struggles in life and their purposes to mold us and make us into what God wants. Joseph’s story is recounted. The Psalmist writes, “Joseph was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.”
The testing of Joseph’s character was accomplished through suffering. God tested Abraham the same way. God tested Job the same way. God tests us the same way. When we pass the tests, like Joseph, Abraham and Job, God makes our dreams come true. The problem is we find it hard to trust God amidst the testing.
Mary Kimbrough composed this poem based in Job which underscores the wisdom of trusting God through trial:
Though He slay me, I will trust Him,
Said the sainted Job of old;
Though He try me in the furnace,
I shall then come forth as gold.
Though the worms of deep affliction
Cause this body to decay,
In my flesh I shall behold Him —
My Redeemer—some glad day.
Though He slay me—can I say it
When I feel the searing fire,
When my fondest dreams lie shattered —
Gone my hope and fond desire?
Though He slay me, I will trust Him,
For He knows just how to mold,
How to melt and shape my spirit —
I shall then come forth as gold!
Chuck
“My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass. But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever. Your fame will endure to every generation.” (Psalm 102:11-12)