March 28, 2012 (Judges 4-5; Psalm 39, 41; 1 Corinthians 13)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1 NLT
Observation: David had a good plan and very good intentions. He knew it was best for him to just keep his mouth shut sometimes, especially when he was around the ungodly. The ungodly are always trying to provoke the godly into unrighteousness. David understood what it was like to bite his tongue while a turmoil of words grew inside him. As he listened to the ungodly speak he sat there in silence, not even speaking of good things. The more he thought about their words the hotter he got and a fire of words was ignited within him. He cried out, Lord remind me how brief my time on earth will be, remind me that my days are numbered and how fleeting life is.
Application: Sometimes we are faced with circumstances that force us to trust completely in God and His justice. The ungodly are provoking the godly on a daily basis, yet we must hold on to Christ and cling to His holy word. When we are in the midst of ungodly people it behoves us to keep our mouth shut. Though a fire of rage can be ignited within us because of the words from the ungodly, we must be committed to conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, whatever happens. Our time on this earth is brief at best, so we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. The storm may rage big at the moment, but soon enough it will be over. God is bigger than any storm. In a moment, in just a twinkling of an eye, we will be gone to live with the Lord and the pains of this life will be vanished forever!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your word that lifts me up and strengthens my grip to hold on. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. I praise You because of Your strong right arm that fights against Your enemies and conquers them. You are the awesome God of the universe and above You there is no other! With You on my side victory is assured! Hear my cry for help and sustain me in this time of distress, in Jesus name, Amen!