Devotion for Monday, September 2, 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 139:19-21)

What do we do with the reality
of the anger that rises up within us?  Is
there a place to loathe and hate what is wrong and leads people astray?  Do not be afraid of the righteous indignation
which belongs to God.  He will avenge
Himself in due course.  But do not be
afraid to join in indignation against those who rail against the Lord and kill
our children for the world’s cause.

Lord, grant that I would have discerning eyes and a willingness to be
bold for the sake of the truth.  Lead me
always in Your truth that I would abide in Your presence and live Your holy
cause in this hostile world.  Lead me
away from what has led me astray and closer into Your will and way.  Guide me according to Your Word to live out
the promises You have given me now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You walked through
the hostility of this world and paved the narrow way for those who
believe.  Guide me as one of Your own
that I would walk in Your footsteps and be led by Your Spirit in the way of
truth.  Help me now and always to see
through the fog of this age and live into the hope and promise that You give me
by grace.  May I learn to be led, even
emotionally, by You and Your Word.  Amen.

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash