"The God of Peace" Cares for the Afflicted

THE Bible makes it clear that David of old was no stranger to affliction. For several years he lived as a fugitive, relentlessly pursued by a wicked and obstinate king, who was bent on killing him. During this period of affliction, David hid  himself in isolated places.  But he did something more. He  earnestly prayed  to Jehovah about his adversity.  "With my voice, to Jehovah I proceeded to call for aid," he later wrote regarding his ordeal.  "Before him I kept pouring out my concern; before him I continued to tell him about my own distress." - Psalm 142:1, 2. 

Today, some would mock David's reliance on God. They would say that prayer is just a psychological crutch and that in practical terms it is a waste of time.  Yet, David's  confidence in God was not misplaced, for his enemies were eventually defeated. Looking back on his experience, David wrote:  "This afflicted one called , and Jehovah himself heard. And out of  all his distresses, he saved him." (Psalm 34:6) The true God to whom David turned is elsewhere called "the God of peace." (Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 13:20)  Will he bring relief from affliction resulting in peace for us? 

Next time: "The God of Peace" Cares for the Afflicted -Jehovah Cares for You

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997