Psalm 34:15-18
The eyes of the Lord watch over the righteous. His ears listen to their cry. The face of the Lord is set against those who do evil, to cut off memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears. From all their distress, he delivers them. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
Let’s apply God’s Word to your life today! How often are you backed into a corner by something you can’t change? Or has someone done something out of spite against you, whether it’s something trivial or based on a lie, just to make your life harder? We’ve all been there more than once; if only you had a place to turn. Right?
We have a great God who knows exactly what you’re going through. Why doesn’t He stop that evil before it happens? God allows and limits evil in this life. For example, when Judas decided to betray Jesus, God didn’t prevent him but used the betrayal to fulfill His plan of salvation. Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins, so that whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life. When people are hateful and evil, God knows and hears His people’s cries; He sets His face against those who do evil. Additionally, He delivers everyone who believes in Him from their troubles. But what about all those throughout history who believed and were killed for their faith, like most of the disciples? In death, God delivers all believers to be with Him forever. This life is not all there is; when it ends because of someone else’s hatred, God still delivers His believers to be with Him in heaven.
Look at the promise we can hold God to. He is close to His believers when we are brokenhearted; He knows your misery before you pray, and He sits beside you with His arm around you. He is with you! And when your spirit is crushed from remembering what you did to others, He forgives you because Jesus suffered death on a cross for your sins; He saves your spirit with the promise of forgiveness, the hope of heaven, and the joy of salvation. All these gifts are yours, delivered to you by faith in Jesus.
Dear Lord God,
Thank you for watching over us and hearing our cries when the world tries to do evil against us. Forgive us when the world overwhelms us and our focus shifts to our problems. Please hear us as You have promised in Your word and stay close to us, as the world tries to send difficulties our way; deliver us and lift our spirits. Remove all guilt and shame from our sins, for Jesus’ sake. Address the challenges we face, and answer our prayers according to Your will so You can keep our salvation secure. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
When God is with you, lifting you from all your troubles, we say with David, “What can the world do to me?” God, who has the power to create the world from nothing, also has the ability to rescue you from every challenge.