2 Thessalonians 1; Psalm 102

2 Thessalonians 1
Paul wrote this second letter to the Thessalonian believers on behalf of himself and his two coworkers Silas and Timothy. He prays for God's grace and peace for them. He calls them "dear brothers and sisters," and he thanks God for their growing faith and love for one another. Apparently, they were being persecuted for their faith as Paul had been when He was there with them. He praises them for their endurance and faithfulness in the persecutions and hardships. Some people say that suffering is because of sin, but Paul indicates here that it often is part of God's plan. He assured them that God had not forgotten them, and that He would make them patient through their suffering, and ultimately He would and will bring justice to the persecutors.

In v. 7, Paul returns to the subject of Christ's return which he had taught in his first letter. He states that God will provide rest. We can rest in knowing that our suffering is temporary, and that when Jesus appears from heaven, wrongs will be made right, God will judge the wicked, and evil will be ended. Believers will rejoice and praise Him and give Him glory!  vv. 7-10

He assured them that he and his companions continued to pray for them that God would give them the power to accomplish all the good things their faith prompted them to do. Then they and the Lord Himself would be honored. "This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." v. 12

Psalm 102
This psalm is one that gives us a cure for distress and despair. vv. 1-11 give a vivid description of how low the psalmist was feeling. He felt physically sick; he had no appetite; he couldn't sleep; he was lonely and depressed. He felt that God had abandoned him.

I hope you never feel this discouraged! But we all go through times when it seems as if trouble is heaped upon trouble. You know the "when it rains, it pours" sort of thing. When these times come, we need to remember the following things about God:

• He sits on His throne forever. v. 12
• He makes Himself known to every generation. v. 12
• He will show mercy v. 13
• He will keep His promises just as He did to Israel, v. 13
• His enemies will tremble before Him, v. 15
• He will appear in his glory. v. 16
• He will listen to the prayers of the destitute, v. 17
• He reminds us through His Word of His past faithfulness. vv. 18-22
• He will hear and answer our prayers. vv. 23-24
• He created everything. v. 25
• He will remain forever, even though all creation will wear out like old clothing and will eventually perish. vv. 25-26
• He is always the same. v. 27
• He will live forever. v. 27
• He will watch over His children. v. 28

And so when you feel down, discouraged, or afraid, remember God's wonderful characteristics. Pray them back to Him! That's what the psalmists did.