Devotion for Friday, August 23, 2019

“Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!  Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty
men.  For they speak against You
wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 
Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?  And do I not loathe those who rise up against
You?”   (Psalm 138:19-21)

This age is filled with people who are wicked.  There are those who put falsehood around this, excusing themselves, but there are really those who do wickedness.  They sprout for a while but quickly fade.  Sadly in this age, they are replaced with others who do wickedness. But let it not be you.  You have been called into the reality of the goodness of God and to dwell in His goodness and practice what He teaches you.

Lord, turn my eyes away from the evil which is in the world that I may
not be sickened with sin.  Lead me
instead to focus upon Your goodness and the call You have given me to practice
righteousness.  Remind me that all things
are in Your hands and that You will deal with the wicked in Your time.  Final justice is in Your hands and You are
unfolding history according to Your will.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for being
a constant guide and assurance at all times. 
Remind me amidst troubles that the will of the Father has already
prevailed against the forces of wickedness and the evil of this world.  Keep my heart and mind on the sure promises
of Christ and the tasks to which You have put my hand.  Lead me in the grace I’ve been given to
faithfully live this and every day in thankfulness and praise for the eternal
goodness which is ours in Christ Jesus. 
Amen.