Afflicted

James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Definition of afflict: condition of grief, distress, poor, needy
What this verse is telling us is that we should have great grief over sin! We should humble ourselves before the Lord because of His great mercy! We are in need of a Savior! We have no power, but Christ does!
2 Cor.4:8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
Col.2:10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Matt.28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Eph.1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come
Why are we not crushed? Because of Christ! Why are we perplexed but not driven to despair? Because of Christ!
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Once you are in Christ, you are there because of His mercy!
Is.53:4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
Romans 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Affliction brings humility!
Ps.119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
Ps.119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
You don't need self help books because that is what God's Word is!!!
Ps.121
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.Most gracious Lord, we truly do not understand the majesty of You! Sear Your Words on our hearts and daily change us to be like You. Help us to teach others of the depth of Your mercy! Amen