“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
When we turn to the Lord in the roughest places of our journey, the Lord will turn us to His Word. Yes, when we are afflicted we need to pray. We need to take our refuge in God and pour out our hearts before Him. But we also need to hear from Him. His Book should be open before us with the expectation He will give us strength to face the heat of the day we are in.
Those who love God, love His Word. The Psalmist is a prime example of one who let the word of God comfort and strengthen him when he was at his lowest.
“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.” (Ps. 119:25)
“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” (Ps. 119:28)
“I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.” (Ps. 119:107)
“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” (Ps. 119:50)
“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” (Ps. 119:49)
Oh to find our own experience to be the same as the saints of old. They passed through the same troubles we do. They felt the same emotions we do. And they left us an example of seeking and finding God through it all.
At the most torturous moment of His life, Jesus would quote the words of David: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” (Ps. 22:1) And He would also find comfort in knowing that those of old, who put their trust in God, were helped. “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.” (Ps. 22:4,5)
When trouble comes, run to God. Both pray and read scripture. You will find what the saints of old found: a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still right there for His children, giving them just what they need to stand in the darkest of days.