In this evil and perverse world, it may appear that the wicked are prevailing and we are losing. How they are getting their ways, which includes much wealth and temporary happiness. However, this is all a big charade, for their treasures are on earth, where our treasures are in heaven. Where they bask in their own glory, we bask in our Lord, Jesus. When they justify their sinful lifestyle and promote it like it is nothing, we cry out to God for forgiveness when we have sinned. In our cries, we ask God for mercy upon our souls. There may be nights that we cry ourselves to sleep because of things we have done. How we long to break free from these addictions and bad habits. This is a sign of a person that is willing to live for Jesus, but they need His strength to do so. David felt like this after he had Uriah killed, in order to have Bathsheba as his wife. It is written, “how long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;” (Psalm 13:1-3)
Persecution may also rise against us and it may appear that they have won the battle. People in our family have been captured because of our beliefs and sadly some have been killed already. This would cause anyone to cry out to God for the innocent slaughter to stop. This is what is happening and has happened for centuries in the middle east. I pray for these dear brothers and sisters in the faith, including missionaries. They may lose their lives for Christ, but to die with Him is gain. This is the best way we can go, having put our full trust in Jesus and not backing down when times are hard. David wrote, “lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:4-6) It is good to pray often in this lifetime. Sometimes it is for mercy, and ither times it may be for guidance, patience, peace, wisdom, assistance, and many other important things. But in everything we do, we give the Lord God glory and praise. We rejoice in Jesus our Savior. We sing unto the Lord because we love God. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for coming into my life. I would be so lost with You. For many years I needed a Savior, but never realized it. I thought I had it all together while doing my own things, of which I thought was right. I followed a set of beliefs that I thought were for You. I lived up to my church’s standards, which I thought were Your standards. The laws and ordinances in this church were so difficult to achieve. And so I began to secretly sin against who I thought was you when in reality it was the church’s man-made laws. Unfortunately, in these dark times, I had no way of overcoming real temptation and so I sinned greatly in Your sight. Sexual sin almost ruined my life and my marriage until I realized something. I needed to first leave all my false beliefs behind and then I could begin to learn and be conformed to You. I was no longer the person in charge but gave way to You, my Lord and King to do whatever you please in my life. This has been a long journey these last ten years, but it has been worth it. You have come and opened my eyes to the evils of this world and now I hate even the appearance of sin. Thank You for forgiving me, God. I love You, Lord. I live for You now. Amen.
Amen! This devotional is truthful and insightful. There are many things that I could learn from this devotional and many things that can be brought to my attention for me to repent of.