“On the day that I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” - Psalm 138:3

There are two ways that God may answer your prayers when walking through times of trouble. The first is He may remove you from the trouble or the trouble from you. The second is He may give you the strength to walk through the trouble. When God does not take the trouble away, you can be certain that He will answer your prayers by increasing your strength of soul.  

What is our soul? Our soul represents the core of our being, our person, will and desire.  A strong soul is persevering, committed, and resilient. A strong soul does not grow weary, lose heart, or give up. If given a choice between living comfortably with a weak soul or courageously with a strong soul, our choice must always be to step up, not step out. In perilous times, what we need more than rescue is strength of soul. When God strengthens your soul, you are enabled to meet danger head on and overcome the fear within.

David was in trouble, and he called on the Lord for help. On the very day he prayed, God answered him. Not be taking away the trouble of today or the threat of tomorrow, but by giving him inward strength and patience to wait on God and to bear all of his troubles with hope and joy. This singular mercy of inner strength is of greater value than any immediate blessing of trouble-free living.  Indeed, any time the Lord empowers us to "rejoice in the Lord always” and teaches us "to be content whatever the circumstances,” He answers our prayers beautifully by teaching us that we “can do all things through him who strengthens (us)” (See Philippians 4:4 & 11-12). When God gives us strength of soul, He gives us a tremendous blessing, for which we must be thankful!

Do not see the absence of suffering as a refusal to hear your prayers. Whether trial or temptation, God’s faithfulness will always come through you so that you can go through it. "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13