Jesus
told us about two men. A rich man received what was good during his lifetime.
On the other hand, the humble man who ate crumbs from the rich man's table
received evils in his life, but received his reward in heaven (Luke 16)
Weary
of his trials, Job wondered why he, a righteous man who served the Lord, would
suffer such great tribulation, when the wicked all around him were spared (Job
24). Job helps us to understand that we will have times of suffering in this
world, and we will not fully understand why.
However,
God will restore all things to us on this earth in His perfect timing, just
like He did for Job (Job 42:12). I have learned that it is so much better to
have little in this world, than to live in evil and to have a wicked heart.
The
wicked will suffer the consequences of their behavior. Their swords will pierce
their own soul, and their bows will break in two. Yet, the Lord takes care of the
innocent, and we will receive an inheritance that lasts forever (Psalm 37:18).
God
takes care of His own (Isaiah 46: 4-13). We will not be disgraced in hard
times; even in famine we will have more than enough (Psalm 37:19). Though we
stumble, we will never fall, for the Lord holds us up by His hand (Psalm 37:24).
Jesus
gives us peace unlike anything the world has to offer. So do not allow your
heart to be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
The righteous ones, who endure earthly trials well, will be blessed with peace,
and crowned with glory in heaven where it really matters the most.
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You so much for Your continued watch care over Your children. You
abundantly supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). You even walk with us
through the valley of the shadow of death, which helps us not to fear any evil
(Psalm 23). Remind us that the wicked have no advantage over the righteous when
they are dying. They may gain enjoyment, and their souls may seem happy in this
life; but in dying, if not before, they will pay the consequences of their
sins.
Help
us not to get discouraged about the current affairs in our life, but to look
forward to everlasting life in Your presence, with many rewards for our
faithful service to You. We trust in You with our whole heart, and we do not
rely on our human resources. We consult You for each moment of our day, and we
look forward to You directing our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Thought
for the Day:
King
David lived his whole life, and near the end, he pronounced that throughout his
lifetime He never saw the Godly abandoned or their children not living in
blessed circumstances, because God blesses thousands of generations of those
who love Him.
-Psalm
37:25; Deuteronomy 7:9
