The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,but destruction to evildoers.
Proverbs 10:29 (ESV)
We live in a world where evil continually haunts us. Either the news is filled with evils committed on a small scale (the rape, abuse, or murder of an individual), or on a large scale (terrorist attacks, genocide, war).
As I read through Proverbs this morning this verse (the next in line for my Daily Devo series) struck me. In the midst of so much evil, in what sense can we say that the way of the Lord is a stronghold? Christians around the world are being imprisoned and slaughtered. Christians in our country are being ridiculed and marginalized. Isn't this a reason to become pessimistic?
God responds to that question--I believe--with a very resolved "NO!" Even within the presence of evil He calls upon us to experience an unshakable joy. How is this possible?
We can experience unshakable joy because our sovereign God is unshakable. Evil doers can destroy our bodies...they can destroy governments...they can destroy armies...they can even destroy the entire physical world. But who can destroy the all-powerful Lord? My joy is not based on my material comforts, nor is it based in the freedom I enjoy in this country. My joy is based on the reality of God, and the knowledge that I shall live in his presence for all of eternity.
As the psalmist declares,
No evil doer will ever breach His heavenly walls. For now, let them tear down governments...let them destroy humanity...let them rob our very lives. Our joy will forever remain untouchable.
As I read through Proverbs this morning this verse (the next in line for my Daily Devo series) struck me. In the midst of so much evil, in what sense can we say that the way of the Lord is a stronghold? Christians around the world are being imprisoned and slaughtered. Christians in our country are being ridiculed and marginalized. Isn't this a reason to become pessimistic?
God responds to that question--I believe--with a very resolved "NO!" Even within the presence of evil He calls upon us to experience an unshakable joy. How is this possible?
We can experience unshakable joy because our sovereign God is unshakable. Evil doers can destroy our bodies...they can destroy governments...they can destroy armies...they can even destroy the entire physical world. But who can destroy the all-powerful Lord? My joy is not based on my material comforts, nor is it based in the freedom I enjoy in this country. My joy is based on the reality of God, and the knowledge that I shall live in his presence for all of eternity.
As the psalmist declares,
"Some trust in horses,
some in chariots,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
(Psalm 20:7 ESV)
some in chariots,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
(Psalm 20:7 ESV)
No evil doer will ever breach His heavenly walls. For now, let them tear down governments...let them destroy humanity...let them rob our very lives. Our joy will forever remain untouchable.
Prayer:
Merciful Father,
Fill me with the joy of your presence.
You are my stronghold,
you are the author & protector of my joy,
and my joy is forever in you.
Amen.
Merciful Father,
Fill me with the joy of your presence.
You are my stronghold,
you are the author & protector of my joy,
and my joy is forever in you.
Amen.
* All scripture is taken from the English Standard Version
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