Scripture: “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” – (12:8)
Observation: David again writes about the culture around him. He is surrounded by the wickedness of the world, yet he also demonstrates his faith in God, trusting Him to preserve those who believe.
Application: Does our key verse sound familiar? Wickedness surrounds us today as it did David in his time. In fact, our world exalts those who embrace evil and ungodly behaviors. In these days, sin is praised and even encouraged, while those who speak out against this type of godless life are mocked, attacked, and in the most severe instances, killed for their faith and devotion to following God’s Word.
We are living in a time when Jesus Christ will soon call Christians home. The Bible even describes the world’s condition in the time preceding the rapture of all true believers to heaven to prepare us.
Although written centuries ago by the apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 clearly describes our world today and includes a directive for all Christians at the end of the last verse. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Remember, Satan is very clever. He makes sin seem harmless, acceptable, even loved, tempting even the strongest believer to fall into the bondage of sinful behaviors. The only defense we have is the Lord. As the Lord’s children, He equips us for the spiritual battle that surrounds us. Ephesians 6:11-18 details our armor, which includes our one offensive weapon, the Sword of the Spirit… the Word of God!
If you plan to head into a battle, you never go unarmed! Be ready! Gear up! Study the Bible! Be prepared to fight! And praise God because we know who wins!
Prayer: Almighty Father, You are to be praised for Your omnipotence! How great You are! Thank You for giving us Your Word to prepare us for the spiritual battles we face daily. Thank You for Your Spirit that indwells all who call Christ their Saviour. Empower me today to do Your will, to stand strong and contend for the faith! Fight the battles I cannot see, the ones I cannot stand against on my own, and give me the victory in Christ! Thank You, in Jesus’ strong and mighty name, I pray! Amen!
In heavenly armor, we'll enter the land,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord!
(from “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” by Phil Wickham)
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“Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.” – Deuteronomy 3:22