Wouldn’t it be incredible if the statement were true, “Life’s a peach!”? However, our own reality reminds us that this is not true. Every person goes through struggles. Although circumstances vary, still every person’s circumstances ebb and flow from more positive to less positive or – as you might say – from more negative to less negative. This back-and-forth of life’s events form the reality we all face.

God graciously provides us direction and hope in the midst of our circumstances. The Bible does not contain just one passage that helps; instead, the Bible contains many passages. God speaks to us to help us. Consider the help provided by the psalmist in Psalm 119.

The Background

Up to seven different authors have been proposed for Psalm 119. Based upon the external and internal evidence, Dr. George Zemek proposes Daniel – the same Daniel of the Book of Daniel. After having been taken captive and taken to Babylon, Daniel faced hard times and very difficult circumstances. As a very young man, he was forced to leave his parents, his family, his homeland, and his place of worship. The king demanded he learn a new culture, language, and lifestyle.

In the process of living faithful to God even in the midst of these dire circumstances, God blessed Daniel. He received the pleasure of those for whom he worked and with which he lived. He received more and more responsibility. However, with the responsibility also came enemies who worked against him constantly – even some who wanted him dead.

In light of this backstory, consider what Daniel writes in Psalm 119.

Psalm 119:65-72

65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
For I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. (Psalm 119:65-72)

When Circumstances Are Tough

Daniel provides us with a couple of key concepts we can consider as we respond to our own tough circumstances.

  • He rejoiced in God’s character and faithfulness even though His circumstances were tough. “You have dealt well…according to Your word.” He spoke a word of gratitude from the midst of very hard circumstances. He proclaims, “You are good and do good.”
  • He desired to learn and grow from God’s Word from within the sea of turmoil. His viewpoint was not limited to just focusing on the circumstances themselves, the toughness of the circumstances, or the unfair nature of them. Instead, he sought to grow in knowledge and discernment. He wanted God to teach him.
  • He recognized that the tough circumstances had provided an opportunity for him to become more obedient to God. The difficulties created an occasion for him to apply God’s Word with more urgency, specificity, and vigor. As he responded to his situational pressures, he actually became more diligent in striving to honor God.
  • He even concluded that “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” Because he saw the blessings of his spiritual growth and opportunity to bring God pleasure from within the turbulent circumstances, he could rejoice even in his affliction. He did not allow his life to be defined by his circumstances; instead, he took responsibility to grow as God intended through his circumstances.
  • He valued God’s instruction – in spite of his adversity, incredible pressures, and situational difficulties – as learned and experienced from the mist of the toil as more valuable than silver or gold. He recognized that God’s Word helped him, grew him, and benefited him. The functional benefit of God’s Word from under the burden of the circumstances encouraged him.

Depend Upon God’s Word and Presence

Daniel never felt alone. God’s Word provided for him. Today, even different than Daniel, we have the Holy Spirit as well (Rom 8). As we go through our circumstances, God has given us not just His Word to be our guide, but also His very presence. Therefore, instead of getting overwhelmed and overburdened by your circumstances, choose to see them as opportunities for spiritual growth, a closer relationship with God, and practical moments to live out God’s purpose for you in their midst.

With gratitude for God’s character and anticipation of what God can do from within the midst of the toughness of your circumstances, embrace today as an opportunity to live for the glory of God.

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