Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 59:6-11
Ps 59:6-11
6 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. 7 See what they spew from their mouths--they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, "Who can hear us?" 8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations. 9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, 10 my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. 11 But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about and bring them down.
1 Peter 2:21-23
21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
A study of scripture reveals that God loves peace and harmony. When the world was created there was peace and harmony on earth, between all of his creation but also harmony between God and Adam and Eve. It was only when they sinned that conflict and discord came into existence. Following God produces the peace that comes from above. It did in the beginning and will today. A part of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. We are to be at peace with all men, when possible.
Jesus never tried to stir up conflict. He did not hunt for trouble. He is the Prince of Peace. Yet, he said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword and that his teaching would turn members of a family against each other. He told his apostles that the world would hate them and try to kill them.
When we faithfully serve God and follow his will today, there will be those who oppose us, our lives and our teaching. The wisdom from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving and considerate but the wisdom of this world produces envy, selfishness and all kinds of disorder and wickedness. God made us, and he knows what is best for us and our lives. The wonderful thing about it is that not only does living his way give a better life now but also gives eternal life.
Heavenly Father give me your wisdom to live for you and to be at peace with others, as much as it depends on me. Give me strength to stand for your truth, even if it does produce conflict and opposition in my life. But help me always have an attitude of love and respect for others so that I am not the cause of strife. I ask that you instill in the many diverse groups of our nation an attitude that would seek peace and better harmony among the people. But even more, I ask that there be more unity among your people. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
