the book of Psalms | Daily Encouragement | Page 116

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“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” (Psalm 37:1-2, NIV)

Today’s scripture from the psalms reminds us of two important things: (1) To not fret because of the deeds of evil people; and (2) to not be envious of those who prosper in wrong-doing.

Sadly, there are some in our society who promote lawlessness.

Worse still, there are others who envy the fruit of lawlessness (e. g. wealth, fame, influence). For these individuals, the adage, “crime doesn’t pay,” is not supported by the evidence.

The scripture reminds us not to fret because of such people. Yes, they are a source of senseless pain. Yes, they do destroy and leave nothing in its place. Do not fret, we are told, because they will not ensure.

God has not forgotten the righteous. In the meantime, in the words of John Wesley (1703-1791): “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” – Luther

Tagged John Wesley, overcoming evil, perseverance, the book of Psalms

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Jesus says that you and I are the light of the world. This is not aspirational, as in a state to which you and I should aspire. It is a fact.

We may, through disobedience, dim our light’s brightness, but we have no say in where we are placed. That is God’s prerogative. He may place us in unusual and challenging places. Places where, were it our choice, we would never go.

It should cheer us to know that God has entrusted the illumination of the world to us. By our good deeds God is glorified.

Do good and shine wherever you are today. God has not made us the light to hide us under a bowl. He has made us light to illuminate the world. – Luther

Tagged bearing witness, obedience, the book of Matthew, the book of Psalms

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“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV)

The “horses” and “chariots” of today are no less alluring than in David’s time.

As disciples of Jesus, the Lord God is not our “last resort”; as in someone we call on when all of our other schemes have failed, and our other means have been exhausted. On the contrary: The Lord God is our first resource.

In the words of the hymn (“What a Friend we have in Jesus”): “O what peace we often forfeit; o what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry; everything to God in prayer.” – Luther

Tagged the book of Psalms, trusting in God