Nothing new
Does it feel like we are being pulled in all directions today? It seems that we are having more conversations about these times than ever before. Friends and family ask me questions because they are concerned about our country and the direction in which it is going.
I was reading from Palms 64 where King David was experiencing the very same things we are worried about right now. King Solomon once said, “Noting is new.” How right he was.
“Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.
They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “who will see it?” They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.
But God will shoot them with His arrows; they will suddenly be struck down. He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done.
The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him!” Ps. 64
Is it right for Christians to speak out? YES! We cannot hide and pretend these things are not happening. But be sure we are right with God and our cause is a righteous cause. We must do it God’s way:
We do not do it with unwholesome anger. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Prov. 29:11. State what is wrong without anger.
We do not use unwholesome words. “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” Prov. 16:23
We do it with God’s strength and not our own. “The Lord is my strength and my shield …”Ps. 28:7
Do everything with love and kindness, not hate. Then when the arrows are coming at us, we can take refuge in Him. He uses us but He fights the battle. “Be still and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10
Lord, give me your heart, even in the midst of my enemies,
