July 15 Daily Devotional

God Sees All the Trials

Frans Bakker

Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand. —Psalm 10:14

Bible Reading

Psalm 10:11–14

Devotional

One cannot begin to explain the comfort these words supply in days of sorrow and trial, for every word contains a wonder of God’s grace. What a marvel that the Lord attends to the misery of a man, who by his own guilt has brought himself there! Who would even dare to expect such words of comfort? God would be justified in having nothing to do with our mischief and spite.

Yet the text says, “Thou beholdest mischief and spite.” Christ, from the seashore, held on to His disciples with His eyes as they were struggling in their ship in the midst of a storm. He saw that they could not control the ship anymore. But the disciples did not see Him, for all their attention was focused on the waves. At times, it can appear that the Lord does not know of our affliction. But although the disciples did not see Him, He still saw them; and He sees our troubles as well.

“Thou beholdest mischief and spite.” God is omniscient and no troubles befall us that are outside of His knowledge. He directs our every path. There will not be one trial too many or one trial too few, because His counsel will stand. He will do everything necessary to make living stones that are fit for His service.

God will not give one trial too few, although His people may cry, “Lord, that is enough!” But neither will He give one trial too many, for His divine eyes behold what we can handle. Our tears are numbered by Him and our sorrows are weighed by Him. What sweetness is therefore tasted in the midst of bitterness! What happiness there is in the midst of sadness! What calmness there is in the storm! What a blessing to realize that the Lord knows all things! It is only this awareness that can heal a broken heart and lift up a dejected spirit. This awareness will keep us from rebellion and despair.

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.