Psalm11:4-5 The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord's
throne is in heave; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.
The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who love
violence His soul hates.
Justice. There is a word we all like! Let's be real
here, when we see someone who has done wrong, don't we celebrate within our
hearts when they suffer consequences? Of course, we all like that word
only when it applies to someone other than ourselves.
Over and over again we are told in the Word NIV "Do
not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is
written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."
Romans 12:9.
Do we really leave it there? I can think of a
situation that I have been party to for several years. In my eyes, I would
tell you that I was innocent in the matter. The recipient of malice in
all its forms. My heart would cry out, "I have been wronged!"
While that may contain some truth, is it the whole truth? Is it
truth that would stand to the measurement of God's truth?
Hmmm...perhaps not. As I sat in study and prayer this
morning, the Author of truth began to speak through Psalms 11:4-5. During
this time have I kept myself pure and holy before the Lord? Have I
wronged another with malice in my words? Have I repeated circumstances to
those without knowledge to seek compassion? Or have I left this fully
with the Father for Him to work and for His glory to be shown?
Can you see me sitting with my head bowed, tears dripping
in front of me, and my cheeks flamed with shame? For that is the picture
you would see right now.
I read the words below this morning as I was studying the
life of David and knew instantly that God is calling me to true repentance and
to stand still so that He can work and be glorified.
**** It is a test of the righteous
person's patience and faith when he sees wicked men committing injustice.
The Lord waits momentarily to see who will remain loyal to just
ways."
Powerful!
Thought provoking. Requires deep soul searching. Requires willingness
to see God's truth.
Truth:
I failed. I returned malice for malice. I did not continue to
keep myself pure before God so that He would be glorified.
Rather I
got in the muck and wrestled with pigs. What comes of that? Every
time, you both are filthy and there is no victor.
So this
morning I kneel before the King, thankful that His mercies are new every
morning. I will rise after a time of repentance with the knowledge that I
am forgiven. I will seek the other party and request forgiveness there as
well. From there, well.... that becomes God's problem doesn't it? I
lay it down and refuse to pick it back up.
I hope that
my stumbling on the road of Faith with Boots On will prompt you to keep
yourself closely aligned with the Author of Truth so that you don't stumble and
scrape your knees as I have done.
Much love
my friends.... Let's join hands and continue this journey onward!
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