Devotion for Monday, July 24, 2023

“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

It is only a short time that the devil has.  Whether you count your seventy years plus or minus, or the whole of this age, what is that compared to eternity?  The Lord has called you through the calamities of this world to live in His presence.  Come then and live into the life He gives.  Be guided by His goodness and mercy to know that in Him is life and liberty.  Woe to the wicked but rejoice, you who are in the Lord’s grace.

Lord, this sounds so simple, but living amidst the attacks of the devil is hard.  You know what it is to be tempted.  Only You were able to perfectly resist the temptation of the devil.  I often fail.  You need to lead me out of the terror of the wicked one so that my eyes can remain focused upon You.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may join with You in eternity.

Lord Jesus, You know all that is needed.  You know where I have failed.  You understand the difficulty of living in this age.  You have promised to walk with me all the days of my life.  Even if I do not feel Your presence, guide me Lord so that I turn to You in all circumstances.  Lead me according to Your grace to know that my hope is in You and not in the circumstances of this age.  Amen.