“Do not forsake me, O Lord” (Psalms 38:21)  

Saints pray to God “don’t forsake me” or “help me, Lord” during trials, but they need to pray this way all the time, before trials come. There’s no moment in the life of the saint when he should feel confident enough to do without the grace of God. “Pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). But how do we pray? With the knowledge, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Because saints know God’s in control, they pray, “giving thanks always for all things to God” (Ephesians 5:20), and “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). 

Having this perspective, enables you to stay submitted to Christ when He causes or allows trials. Notice, many of the Apostle’s prayers emphasize becoming more submitted to Christ in trials. The Greek word translated “patience”, means “stay under”. For the Christian, this means, in trials, you need to “stay under” the Lordship of Christ. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). 

“Patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12). “Do not cease to pray for you ... for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father “ (Colossians 1:9-12). “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). “We are bound to thank God always for you ... for your patience” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4). 

 Dear Lord Jesus, help me to stay under your Lordship when times get tough. I know I must pray without ceasing, before the trial, not just when it comes, acknowledging You’re in control of my life, with thanksgiving. You told Peter, “Pray, lest you enter into temptation”, but he didn’t obey You, and when his trial came, he denied You, the very thing he promised not to do. The same thing can happen to me. I’m no better than Peter. When trials come, my flesh says “get out from under the Lordship of Christ and fulfill the lust of the flesh!”. Help me to pray without ceasing, with thanksgiving, always aware, You are in control, so I won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh when trials come, and instead, stay submitted to Your Lordship, and produce, “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). 

"O ever in our cleansed breast, Bid Thine Eternal Spirit rest; And make our secret soul to be A temple pure and worthy Thee."