Bible in a Year:
May the Lord judge between you and me.
My anger percolated when a woman mistreated me, blamed me, and gossiped about me. I wanted everyone to know what shed donewanted her to suffer as Id suffered because of her behavior. I steamed with resentment until a headache pierced my temples. But as I began praying for my pain to go away, the Holy Spirit convicted me. How could I plot revenge while begging God for relief? If I believed He would care for me, why wouldnt I trust Him to handle this situation? Knowing that people who are hurting often hurt other people, I asked God to help me forgive the woman and work toward reconciliation.
The psalmist David understood the difficulty of trusting God while enduring unfair treatment. Though David did his best to be a loving servant, King Saul succumbed to jealousy and wanted to murder him (1 Samuel 24:12). David suffered while God worked things out and prepared him to take the throne, but still he chose to honor God instead of seeking revenge (vv. 37). He did his part to reconcile with Saul and left the results in Gods hands (vv. 822).
When it seems others are getting away with wrongdoing, we struggle with the injustice. But with Gods mercy at work in our hearts and the hearts of others, we can forgive as Hes forgiven us and receive the blessings Hes prepared for us.
How can trusting that God is perfect, loving, good, and in control help you when sin seems to be prevailing? Who do you need to forgive and place in Gods mighty and merciful hands?
Merciful God, please help me trust You to determine how justice prevails.
68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub RIP FReeper
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Hope your Monday went well.
Mine went surprisingly well, but I still have a few hours of work ahead.