Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 120:1-7
Ps 120:1-7
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.
Eph 4:25-28
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
It is no wonder that things like lying, discord, hatred, war, and bitterness are all a part of earthly wisdom while truth, joy, peace, and purity are from God. God is the God of peace; he is love and the only source of truth. When we see all of the evil in the world, it is because people disregard God and his will, while living for themselves and following after Satan. We are to be at peace with all, if possible.
We see war in our world. We hear daily of major crimes of violence. In our own personal lives, we too often feel the pain of suffering and hurt. This is not how God intended for us to live. He made mankind to live in a perfect environment, in harmony with all that surrounded them. It was sin that destroyed the peace and brought the curse on each of us, as well as the earth itself. But it was also in this sin, that the promise of hope was given for eternal life in Jesus Christ.
As we allow God to live in us, the more we seek to become like him the more he will bless us and protect us. But becoming like Jesus will bring us greater harmony with those around us and will actually make our lives easier, most of the time. It may also bring opposition and even persecution, so there is no promise of a “bed of roses” for us. Whatever it brings, we trust God to take care of us in it all.
Heavenly Father I am so glad to be your child and to know that this life is not why I am here on earth. All of the sin and all of the pain and suffering are horrible and can easily bring me down into despair, but I know that you are in control and that you will see me through it all. Our nation is filled with discord and I pray that we can live in peace. Too many of our leaders are corrupt but I ask you to use them to your glory and for the good of your people. Help me always show respect toward those who you put into places of authority. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
