What actions can we take to avoid blaspheming God during trials? Setting the Scene: Revelation 16:11 “ And the people blasphemed the God of heaven for their pains and sores, yet they did not repent of their deeds.” This verse pictures people under severe judgment who respond with cursing instead of repentance. Their example warns us: trials can either soften us toward God or drive us to blasphemy. How do we choose the first path? Recognize the Danger of Hardening the Heart • Trials reveal what is already forming in the heart (Proverbs 4:23). • Hebrews 3:12-13 urges, “encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • When pain hits, immediate reactions matter. A spark of bitterness can grow into open slander against God if left unchecked. Actions That Keep Us from Blaspheming During Trials 1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty • Romans 8:28—“all things work together for good to those who love God.” • Psalm 103:19—“His kingdom rules over all.” • Verbally affirm, “Lord, You are in control even now.” Such confession realigns the heart. 2. Voice Lament, Not Accusation • Biblical lament (Psalm 13; Lamentations 3) expresses pain while still trusting God’s character. • Complaint that accuses God’s goodness crosses the line (Numbers 14:27; 1 Corinthians 10:10). 3. Embrace Repentance and Humility • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Quickly ask, “Is there sin to confess?” Repentance softens the soul and blocks bitterness. 4. Cultivate Thankfulness • 1 Thessalonians 5:18—“give thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude shifts focus from wound to the One who heals. 5. Guard the Tongue • James 1:26 warns that an unbridled tongue voids our religion. • Before speaking, filter words through Ephesians 4:29—are they edifying? 6. Draw Strength from Scripture • Psalm 119:92—“If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” • Memorize verses that exalt God’s faithfulness (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; Nahum 1:7). 7. Seek Encouraging Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25—meet together to spur one another on. • Isolation amplifies doubt; community fans faith. 8. Continue Worship and Service • Acts 16:25—Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison. • Service keeps eyes outward, preventing self-pity from turning to accusation. Practical Tools for the Moment of Testing • Sing a hymn or worship chorus aloud. • Write a gratitude list each day of the trial. • Speak Scripture out loud when tempted to complain. • Text or call a mature believer for accountability. • Replace “Why me?” with “What are You teaching me?” in internal dialogue. Encouraging Examples Job: “In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:22) He grieved honestly yet held to reverence. Paul: “We do not lose heart… our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) Living Differently from Revelation 16:11 The people in Revelation lashed out and refused to repent. We choose the opposite: repent quickly, praise persistently, trust continually. These actions guard the tongue, honor God, and transform trials into testimonies of His sustaining grace. |
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