Tag: Challenges

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The Haves and Have-nots

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Job 1:21

We have heard this expression used when calculating global economies, but how does it apply to the world of 2020?

The book of Job is written about a man favoured by God. Not only was Job wealthy, but he had a large family. The Bible records “He was the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3). Apparently his lifestyle pleased God, for we are given a glimpse into a conversation taking place before the throne of God. The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and up-right, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).

In 2020 I wonder how the conversation has gone between God and Satan. God could challenge Satan again to look at the world He created and the people whom He loves. (Let’s remember, since we just celebrated Easter, God sent His only begotten Son to pay the price of the sins of all people.) Hypothetically, would it have gone something like this? God: Have you considered my servants in North America? They have been reading their Bibles and praying, giving selflessly to the poor, caring for the disadvantaged at home and abroad, welcoming strangers into their hearts and homes, so they could tell them about the love of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. They have been straining to look after the environment, even at the cost of their own comfort and convenience. There is no other nation on earth like them!

Or, would God looking down see self-indulgence, greed, hatred and a spirit of entitlement? In this “me” generation does God care about our human rights, yours and mine, or has He called His children to care about the rights of those less fortunate? Surely as the world trembles in the face of an invisible enemy today, we might do some soul-searching.

Faced with the overthrow of all his good fortune, God had allowed Satan to test Job to the limit. He lost his property, his family and his health. Wouldn’t that make most people scream that God is ‘unfair’? Perhaps Job’s worldview may mean something to anyone facing the loss of all they hold dear. The Bible tells us he did not lose his faith in God, but rather fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!” (Job 1:21).

Hundreds of years later, the Apostle Paul knew something of Job’s experience. He tells us “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Reflection:

Does our happiness depend on what we have, or does the attitude of gratitude colour our world rosy?

When do we most often find ourselves on our knees? Usually it is when we are in need.

Can we, do we trust God to supply all our needs through His riches in glory in Christ Jesus? (Philippians

4:19)

Do we count our relationship with God among our riches? Do you have, or have not?

Let us pray the prayer of David – Psalm 51:10-12.

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Songs in the Night

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Acts 16:16-30

How often have you been awakened in the night with the strongest impression God wants to speak to you? Samuel and others are Biblical examples of such an experience. Job’s friend Elihu thought he knew the answer to Job’s problems, reminding him that God our Maker is the one who gives songs in the night (Job 35:10). What experience he was drawing upon we do not know, but I know what it is like to sing praises to God in the middle of the night. Do you?

Two thousand years ago, at midnight, though a strange choice of hour to sing praises to God, Paul and Silas were doing just that from a most unlikely place. They were in prison, but that did not stop them from glorifying the Lord their God. In the quiet of night, without officials rushing about and the clamour of daylight hours, it was a testimony to other prisoners at the very least. Imagine! God heard them and responded. He sent a violent earthquake which released them from their chains.

What chains bind us in the night? Are our hearts free from oppressive thoughts, resentment, disappointment or despair? What is it that keeps us awake at night? Do our hearts fail us for fear? Do we regret succumbing to temptation? Have we hurt someone we love, immeasurably? Do we care that we have displeased God? Does our faith waver?

Or – are our hearts overflowing with joy in the faithfulness of our mighty Saviour? Slowly dawning in the silence of night, spiritual truths take shape with spectacular joy as we meditate on our glorious Lord. Haven’t we heard the voice of God responding to our cries? Haven’t we felt the touch of His loving hand through the physical presence of a brother or sister in Christ? Hasn’t God’s Holy Spirit suddenly enlightened our understanding on a scripture with which we have been long familiar?

What marvellous sights have we seen, or sounds have we heard, that draw us to worship the Creator of all things? What thanksgiving replaces sorrow and loss! What hope pierces the darkness! Hallelujah!

Reflection:

It is often in the darkness of night that my spirit burns within as I see the Light of God, and listen to His voice. Whatever my cries may have been, healing comes in the sweetness of His presence. Thank God for the mercies of victory in Jesus that is only understood when all other distractions have been taken away!

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?….by day the Lord directs His love; at night His song is with me”

(Psalm 42:5a & 8a)

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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The Perfect Man

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Job 42:1-6

The Bible spells out the realities of man’s sin nature in every example. Thankfully it doesn’t drop a veil over human folly, but rather gives hope to you and me. Even in the case of Job, described as blameless and continually devout, we find him repenting in dust and ashes. Why? What was his sin? We know he suffered cruelly from loss and bereavement, from physical illness and mental cruelty. When his wife advised him to curse God and die, she attacked the thing most precious to him – his faith.

What then did he repent of, in Job 42:6? Was he humbled by the greatness of a God he could never fully comprehend, God who had blessed him so abundantly in the past, a God who was personal in spite of his own lack of knowledge and understanding? Job now saw God whereas before he had only heard of Him.

Perhaps Job realized how deeply he may have offended God by cursing the day of his birth. We can only guess at thoughts and feelings arising from his renewed understanding of the supreme God he worshiped.

Like David, Job’s adoration and intentionality toward God had never failed. In this regard he was blameless. However, he now saw the difference between himself as a created being, and the Creator of a design far beyond his understanding. God, seeing his heart, through suffering opened his mind to greater things than Job would have perhaps ever explored in the normal course of everyday living.

We know scripture tells us Jesus was without sin; the only human form that can claim that distinction. Was this because He knew the mind of God and fully understood His heart and will? Certainly no other human being ever has.

However, as we struggle here on earth, let us rejoice that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us to guide our hearts and minds. Having placed our feet upon the Way of Jesus Christ, and with Him as our supreme example, we have every cause to hope that we might be found blameless of intentionally rebelling against God Almighty, even if we do not achieve perfection in this life.

Reflection:

Describe in your own words what a perfect man would look like? Example?

How has God gifted us in order to achieve perfection?

Does God demand perfection?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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On That Day

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Isaiah 25-6

In these chapters Isaiah is talking with God. In his prayer Isaiah exulted in His personal God, the One worthy of exaltation and praise. He had done marvelous things in perfect faithfulness, according to His perfect plan (25:1). God had been a refuge for the poor and needy, a shelter from the storm (25:4).

From the past, Isaiah looked into the future. “In that day” His people, Israel, will recognize their God as One who is trustworthy, the One who saved them, the One in whom they rejoice (25:9). On this mountain they will enjoy a great feast provided by God, celebrating the end of the Millennial reign of Christ. Death will be swallowed up forever, and the Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears (25:6-8).

Many of us are familiar with Isaiah’s words: “You will keep in perfect peace him [her] whose mind is steadfast, because he [she] trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Isaiah was still rejoicing in his God.

All around the Israelites, nations raged. Ruthless nations. Nations whose very breath is like a storm driving against a wall! (Isaiah 25:4). Not only was God a shelter from that storm, but He shaded them from the heat – just desert heat? No, heat also from the breath of the ruthless. That conjures up a real picture in our minds of the fear with which the Israelites lived, doesn’t it? (:4).

We can only imagine what desert heat is like. Slowly taking a caravan across the hot sands, moving through a sand storm with nowhere to hide – must have had its moments of terror and panic, deeper perhaps than any anxiety we have known. Sand in the eyes and ears, gritting in their teeth; smothered in its cloud, with unbelievable heat coming in waves. This picture depicts the troubles of life, swirling around us, overwhelming us!

But then God! “You silence the uproar…as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud”. Isaiah is celebrating God who, with inexplicable power and precision stills the song of the ruthless (25:5), removes the shroud that covers all nations (:7) and even swallows up death (:8). Amazingly all nations – even the ruthless ones will eventually reverence God for who He is! (25:3). Let us be clear….this does not mean everyone will spend eternity in heaven. Who then will? Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

“In that day” at the end of the Millennial reign, when death is cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:14), peoples of the earth will celebrate the salvation of the Lord, with joy and gladness! It is in that day that the song of peace will be sung (26:1-3).

Isaiah has just painted a picture of God for us. He is gentle and caring, a comforter of tears (:8). He is all-powerful, tearing down and building up according to His will (25:10, 26:5, 26:1). He protects His vineyard, continually watering and guarding it (Isaiah 27:2-3). He is also a God of hope, of forgiveness. Those who were perishing in Assyria, who were exiled in Egypt, will come and worship the Lord on the Holy mountain” (27:13). “In that day” judgment will fall on the ungodly. But God Himself will be a ”glorious crown….a spirit of justice….a source of strength” for the remnant of His people (28:5-6). Praise be to God!

Reflection:

Describe the God you worship personally. What faithful deeds make Him worthy of your praise?

How might this prayer of Isaiah’s become an example for our prayer life?

What triumphs of the Kingdom age do you look forward to?

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Held Hostage

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Acts 23-25

My heart burst with excitement as I watched it happen on TV! God was at work! It was impossible to escape the passion of the speaker. Neither I, nor those held hostage in his presence, could change the situation in order to avoid the gospel.

In the book of Acts we read of a similar situation. A man impassioned by his relationship with Jesus Christ gave it all he had. Paul was brought as a prisoner before several heads of state in succession, to defend himself as a Roman citizen against charges of corruption which could amount to treason against Caesar. He was not afraid, or if he feared anything it was the spiritual state of these leaders, whom he knew would one day stand before God.

Bound in chains Paul testified before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. When a plot against his life was discovered, Paul was quickly spirited away to Caesarea to testify before Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea. Two years went by and Paul still waited. Now Festus was in charge, Paul was required to make his defense once again. Herod Agrippa 2, great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his wife Bernice travelled to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. They had heard about the drama of Paul’s conviction and asked to hear him, so Paul was brought in.

Was this a terrible trial to Paul? No! Grasping the opportunity, Paul talked about his faith. He told Felix: “I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way” (Acts 24:14). Felix was married to a Jewess and listened to Paul as he spoke about faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps Felix remembered Jesus had said “I am The Way…”? (John 14:6). Finally Felix had heard enough; gripped by fear he told Paul to stop.

Paul had not been so polite to the High Priest in Jerusalem to whom he said “God will strike you, you white-washed wall! You sit there to judge me…yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck” (Acts 23:3).

Great pomp and ceremony took place as the King swept into a courtroom filled with high-ranking officers and politicians (Acts 25:23). At the outset, Paul told the crowd he considered himself fortunate to stand before these officials who were so well acquainted with Jewish customs (Acts 26:3). His message was filled with hope, but he did not fail to mention repentance in his preaching (26:20) and drew to their attention Christ was the fulfillment of prophecy (26:22-23). King Agrippa countered with the question “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28).

Two thousand years later at a royal wedding where heads of state mingled with the intelligentsia of the day, a preacher joyfully presented Christ’s claim to love the whole world, for which He died! I was reminded of Paul. Though visibly in chains, his spirit was free. These people, centuries later, were held hostage by another man whose spirit had been set free by God! Bold? Yes! A man with a holy mission vindicated our Sovereign God, whose love reaches down to free all nations. King of Kings!

Reflection:

Excitement fills the air when we see God’s hand at work! Imagine yourself being used by God to deliver, with holy boldness, the message of His love. What can we possibly fear? Jesus warned “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Are you a prisoner of God’s love? What is it that holds you hostage today?

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Pondering the Puzzle!

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Isaiah 7:9-23

One of my favourite hobbies is doing jigsaw puzzles. I have friends who share this interest, so now family and friends have some exquisite scenery lining their walls, over which many happy hours were spent. What makes it so interesting? Tiny bits and pieces require minute examination to see if patterns and colours will match. It is so satisfying when the strangest shapes suddenly fall into place!

For me, sometimes scriptures are a puzzle. Take for example the sign given to Isaiah of the virgin conceiving and bearing a son. We need to look at the context to examine this puzzle piece. Israel had been continually disobedient. By Chapter 7 the Lord has already exclaimed “Stop” three times. “Stop bringing meaningless offerings” (1:13). “Stop doing wrong” (1:16). “Stop trusting in man” (2:22). He has pronounced more than seven woes descrying the varied sins of His people.

Now in the era of King Ahaz, an opportunity to test the nation’s faith presented itself in the design by Syrian and Israelite kings to overpower Jerusalem. (By this time Israel and Judah had split, becoming separate kingdoms.) Ahaz is warned by God “If you do not stand firm in your faith you will not stand at all!” (7:9). Having said that, the Lord challenges Ahaz to ask for a sign that will bolster his faith. He’s given great latitude “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights” (7:11). I wonder what I would have answered in the same situation….and you?

Ahaz refused, sounded very pious: “I will not put the Lord to the test” (7:12). How would you respond if one of your children refused the offer to ask for something you wanted to give them? Isaiah was exasperated! However, God was not taken by surprise. He had the puzzle piece ready to fit. A virgin will conceive. Some commentators suggest that Isaiah knew this referred to the young woman he was going to marry and that he was prophesying, under the power of the Holy Spirit, that she would bear a son. It is presumed that Isaiah’s first wife had died after the birth of his first son. The second son would not have reached the age of moral discrimination before the rest of the prophecy came true. The kings that Ahaz feared so much would both be dead and their kingdoms laid waste (7:16). Other puzzle pieces yet to be fitted in, include several references to “in that day” (7:18, 20, 21, 23).

Reflection:

Let’s think about this. What do we know about the nation Israel, or learn about God in this scripture? Does this prophecy fit into one time frame or does it cover past and present (for us), as well as future. This is where we require time to ponder. Puzzles were not put together in an instant. They require a right perspective, an overview, some experimentation, patience, and certainty that it will all fit together in the end.

In hind sight we know that Jesus was the future predication fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy – the babe born of a virgin! The fulfillment of this sign assures us that other prophecies will be completed in His time. As much as the reality of God’s outworking in the faith of Ahaz, so is this a reality when our own faith is tested.

For example – what signs have been fulfilled in your life and mine? Do we know we have been freed from our sins by the blood of Christ? Do we know the power of the Holy Spirit when we are tempted and tried? Have we seen the hand of God leading us into paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake? Looking back, how has God fit the puzzle pieces of your life together?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Journey Through Darkness

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Jonah 2

 

Do you remember being afraid of the dark? How many little children express fear of the dark? As adults can we identify with those fears? Dark moments in adult life may look different from the physical darkness that envelopes the imaginations of little kids, but they are just as real, none-the-less.

 

The Bible tells us of one man who experienced darkness physically and spiritually. He was near death – certainly a cardinal moment for us all. He knew he needed God to walk with him through this experience, but being out of fellowship with God made that an even more humbling experience. In spite of feeling banished from God’s sight, as he deserved to be, he tells us “When my life was ebbing away I remembered You, Lord, and my prayers rose to You” (Jonah 2:7).

 

How often is this the human experience? We feel engulfed, threatened, trapped. Everything is swirling around us as the breakers roll over our spirits. Isn’t it then that we think of God?

 

Recently I watched “Call the Midwife”, a programme set in the late 50’s which reminded me of the community nursing I did in the early 60’s. The young nurse in the series was shocked by the conditions she faced in the east end of London, as was I in Regent Park, Toronto. The lifestyle of people who were suffering deprivation of every kind, could only be called ‘dark’.

 

How much they needed to know God listens and answers prayer. He alone can bring our lives out from the pit. “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). He is the source of all comfort because He is the God of grace (Jonah 1:8). He is described by David : “You are my lamp oh Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light” (2 Samuel 22:29).

 

Why did Jonah struggle in the dark? He was running away from God. God had called him to do something he didn’t want to do. Can you empathize with Jonah? Jonah recognized his punishment came from God. ”You hurled me into the deep” (Jonah 2:3). But he also knew God didn’t leave him there. “You brought my life up from the pit!” (2:6).

 

In his subsequent dealings with the Ninevites one might have supposed Jonah would have identified with them. They were displeasing to God and yet He saved them. In his darkest hour Jonah experienced God’s mercy and grace, but still begrudged it to the Ninevites. In a way, his own attitude kept him in darkness. Do we face this same struggle on our journey through life?

 

Reflection:

In the month of November we remember some of the darkest days in recent history – two great wars, called “World Wars” because humans from every continent met in combat. Principles of righteousness and democracy were at stake. Many nations paid dearly for the depths of darkness that nearly annihilated a whole generation of young men. Running away from the truths of God’s Word, the enemy assaulted the very chosen people of God. This was indeed a journey away from God!….a journey through darkness!

 

By Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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The Triumph of Mercy

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James 2:8-13

Our Ladies are studying the book of James. We’ve probably read it many times, but there is still much to learn! A little phrase suddenly jumped out at me “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (2:13). First of all we need to understand what judgment looks like.

In our world today people are tweeting about their personal observations, so often from the bias of criticism, it seems. Is this the test of one’s intelligence, I wonder, to be able to discern the faults of others? How often are we acting out what Jesus warned about – looking at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s or sister’s eye, while ignoring the plank that limits the vision in our own (Matthew 7:4). Jesus recommended that we take time to remove the plank before we assume a helping relationship with our brother/sister (Matthew 7:5).

Sometimes we ignore the potential dangers God warned the Israelites about …the damage of giving false testimony about our neighbour (Deuteronomy 5:20), because we are so quick to pass sentence on another fellow human being. James reminds us that often anger is the basis of our condemnation, so we should pause to listen, before expressing our opinions (James 1:19). Have we forgotten the besetting sins of our own nature that make us so displeasing to God?… and yet He repeatedly forgives us. Can we, will we, pause to remember His mercy?

Here’s the thing – Jesus told the crowd assembled on the mount, that we will be judged with the same measure of mercy we deliver towards those who offend us (Matthew 7:2). James amplifies this thought:
“judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13). That follows the theme of the Lord’s prayer that so many of us know by heart, and repeat often: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12 KJV).

Do we really want God to forgive us in the same way as we have forgiven others? Even William Shakespeare got it right when he wrote the Merchant of Venice, reminding Shylock that mercy must be freely given – “The quality of mercy is not strained [forced]”. It must be genuine, real. God knows whether or not we are going through the motions, or if we mean what we say.

Often it is hard to forgive – it is a Divine gift in the moment. With God it is possible for mercy to triumph over judgment. Our judgment may or may not be perfectly correct. That is not the issue. The ability to lean on God to help us deliver His mercy to others is demonstrated by our desire, and His power, to forgive. This is the Divine triumphing in the lives of human beings!

Reflection:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We say we are followers of Jesus. He was so merciful to those who were accused! May we learn from His example. His love drew people to Himself! May our lives exemplify our appreciation for all men and women because they are made in the image of God. Search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me , before I pronounce judgment on anyone else. Help me to remember Jesus’ words “He/she who is without sin cast the first stone”. May I live by His perfect example, which demonstrated Your love for everyone. May Your mercy out-weight the judgments I might make. Keep me from slandering others. Empower me, my Father, to triumph over evil. In Jesus’ name I pray.

By Marilyn Daniels.

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Seeing Through Stained Glass

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1 Corinthians 13:8-12

Someone coined the phrase “looking at life through rose-tinted glasses”. This is described as an unduly idealistic, optimistic, sentimental, or wistful perspective on or about something. People looking through rose-tinted glasses only notice the good things about them, a view that is unrealistic. Its good to be positive in one’s outlook, but it is also important to be balanced.

The Apostle Paul was aware of mankind’s tendency to look through a glass darkly – a view through which our judgment is somewhat clouded. God gave Paul the reason why we do not see things clearly, which thankfully he recorded for our own understanding. In his first letter to the Corinthians church, Paul explains that our knowledge is only partial (:9). God who is omniscient, needs you and me to rely on His wisdom, knowledge and love. Sometimes we see in part because we don’t want to accept responsibility for things we do; as with the first people on earth, its easier to blame someone else than to accept the rebuke of a friend. “Rebuke a wise man and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8).

It is common for us to see a poor reflection of ourselves in a mirror, rose-tinted or otherwise darkened by sin. James gives us some further insights on how to deal with this problem. When looking at oneself in a mirror there are two options. If we don’t like what we see, we can do something about it, or we can go into denial. The Holy Spirit gave James an important truth – humans have the tendency to immediately forget what they might recognize and work to improve (James 1:24). Is this wise?

God longs for us to be pure, when we claim to follow Jesus. His Word gives us the direction we need, clarifying His will for our lives. When we spend time studying the Bible we are freed, James goes on to say (1:25), and blessed by the liberty God gives to us, from the sin that so easily bests us. Once our spirits have soared into the heavenlies , let loose like a balloon floating up into the sky, who would return to the darkness of this world’s thinking and degrading behaviours?

Paul and James agree that maturity, gained through love and perseverance is the Christian’s goal…..mature in understanding God’s character, we grow to be more like Him…..mature in our understanding of what true love looks like – that amazing love of God which is more than compassionate, which is impossible without His unconditional love flowing through us.

Growing in our faith requires action on our part. He has given us the means to know Him….His Word, David said, saved him from sinning against God (Psalm 119:11). It wasn’t just reading it or hiding it in his heart, but by obeying God’s word, David was blessed. God in turn blesses us, wiping away the darkness that clouds our vision, as we persevere. Its hard to do God’s will, to be obedient but He stands ready to give us all the wisdom and knowledge required to do His will. He doesn’t leave us to flounder alone!

Reflection:

Will you accept responsibility for your own sins? How does God want you to deal with them?

Does your life and mine bring joy to the heart of God?

Have you been freed by the perfect law of God?

Do you understand what God requires of you in His perfect law? Its not complicated –

“If anyone considers himself/herself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his/her tongue, he/she

deceives themselves and his/her religion is worthless” (James 1:26)

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Overwhelmed With Dread

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Psalm 14

Technology takes us around the world today to where we can view the detailed sufferings of humankind. Should war and famine, abuses arising from anger or hatred, political unrest and persecution become an immediate threat to us in North America, we ourselves might be overwhelmed by dread.

David wrote that the Lord looks down on the sons of men, from heaven. His vantage point may seem external, but the Bible also tells us that God knows the thoughts and intentions of each heart. This is what He finds: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) How hopeless does that sound? Yet God who created humans, blesses the man/woman who trusts in Him, making him/her as secure as a tree planted by the water (Jeremiah 17:7).

God does not want you or me to feel overwhelmed by dread. He assures us through the Apostle Paul, who wrote: “God did not give us a spirit of timidity [fear], but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). What causes us to dread something? The knowledge that our hearts are not right before God may be a contributing factor. We do have a conscience that informs our psyche, allowing us to be a peace in the midst of turmoil and even suffering, but also condemning us when we are wrong.

Some people think God searches our hearts to punish us for our evil thoughts and desires, but really God is looking for righteousness, those who are seeking fellowship with Himself (Psalm 14:2). When He sees that, God will go to any lengths to ensure such fellowship is vibrant, real through a relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. We see illustrations of that in the lives of the Centurion and Lydia, recorded for us in the book of Acts.

Certainly God will punish evildoers, those who persecute His people. These folks never seem to learn. They just don’t get it! We see the problem occurring over centuries of time. The tendency of that heart which denies God, is to “do what is right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25 KJV).The evil is not confined to what they do, but stems from the notion that they are their own god. This is what ought to fill us with overwhelming dread.

In this Psalm David yearns for the establishment of God’s Messianic kingdom (:6-7). When Jesus returns to earth the powers of evil will be overwhelmed by the radiance of His glory! Every knee shall bow (Romans 14:11). What a glorious hope that overwhelms every dreaded thought!

Reflection:

Who is it that searches your heart and mine? (Jeremiah 17:10)

What is God’s attitude towards evil?

How far will God go to provide a way for you and me to escape evil? (1 Corinthians 10:13)

What frees you from a spirit of dread?