Psalms 56:4
⁴ In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? (NIV)

Many passages of Scripture elicit a quick ‘Amen’ and ‘Hallelujah’ when we hear them. This is one of those. What can mere mortals do to me? It is an acknowledgment that God is greater, more powerful, and unable to be stifled by what people do, even the worst of us. Nothing and no one can stand against our God. Yet, people have an enormous amount of influence on us. Today’s passage, however, gives us the key to living above the actions of others.

Tethered together are our peace and trust in God determining to what degree others can stir emotions.

The more I trust God has all things in control regardless of people, the peace within me stays in place. They can say whatever, do whatever, be whatever, and we are unmoved, but only to the degree that we trust God.

We can measure our trust in God by the level our peace is interrupted by what others do to us and around us.

Today’s passage says, “In God, I trust and am not afraid.” The words chosen indicate moments of trepidation that could cause anxiety or fear, but these are absent for the psalmist at this moment. To trust in the Lord is to endure suffering with a certainty that God has only allowed what will keep me melding into His likeness. And if the end of my pain produces greater strength by communion with Almighty God, then let us embrace the pain.

When this thought escapes us, considering the severity of our suffering, there is a fear that this suffering will destroy, to differing levels, our faith, relationships, dreams, life, and God’s plan. Yet, if God is in control as we claim to believe, He only orchestrates the many sounds needed for our life’s song. The dissonance will soon reveal its place in the masterpiece. We only must wait.

It is not that God has abdicated His position as our Protector and Provider, but He has begun to also operate as the Refiner of our souls to prepare us for greater miracles that would ruin us in self-centered indulgence should our faith not be purified. We can trust Him regardless of what people do, say, or threaten to do. God is still in control.

Prayer: Lord, keep me aware of Your work as the Refiner of my Soul. Let me know that all suffering will work to burn away the impurities of my soul. Amen.