Buried in the middle of the book of Psalms is one that many people have memorized for it’s promises of God’s protection over His people. The 91st chapter captures God’s assurance of your safety, but it does so in a way that is anything but coddling. 

In the 15th verse the Psalmist cites what the Lord says, “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.” I don’t know about, but oftentimes I wish that the verse was tweaked. That God would be with us not in trouble, but out of trouble. That’s not what He says though. 

To be protected by God doesn’t guarantee prosperity but it guarantees you His presence. God will be with you in trouble. Regardless of the challenges you face today, God will protect you. 

He says in the preceding verse, ‘I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’ and at the close of this 15th verse, ‘I will deliver him and honour him.’ When you honour God, God honours you. So rather than ask, why this trouble? Perhaps you ought to rephrase your question, ‘Lord, I know you’re with me, how might this trouble bring me closer to you?’