God allows bad things – Be Still…

Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise

Read Psalm 28

One of the things I like about this psalm is how it covers the gamut of emotions from lament to praise. It’s a good reminder for us to always bring praise to God even when we are feeling weak or troubled by life’s circumstances.

David opens the psalm declaring it as a prayer to God, his “rock.” David acknowledges God and wants an audience with him. Isn’t that the same for us when we pray. Don’t we often seek God’s counsel, his help, and even his retribution for those who have wronged us, just like David is? Continue reading “Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise”

1 Peter 5:8-9 – You Are Not Alone

Read 1 Peter 5:8-9

Too often we let ourselves be blinded to the work of the enemy among us. We stop being vigilant. In these final words of Peter, he is talking about that “elephant in the room” we all try to ignore. Evil. The more we ignore the evil one or look the other way, the more he takes a grip on our lives.

“Stay alert!” is Peter’s cry. I’ve been amazed at how when watching a television program or movie produced within the last couple years how many things I see as contradictory to the Christian life and God’s word. Decades ago, people were upset when swearing became commonplace in these entertainment mediums. Today, we can become immune to hearing that kind of language. That’s only a small fraction of what we should be appalled by. Peter told us to “stay alert,” to not forget about God’s desire for us.

Jeremiah 52:12-23 – The Temple Crumbles

Read Jeremiah 52:12-23

As I read of the destruction, I tried to picture how long it must have taken to demolish the temple and all the other structures described. I felt sad. The history alone of this great building was extensive. I couldn’t help but remember King David’s vision for this magnificent tribute to God, and then his son, Solomon’s call to build. You can read more about David’s thought process in 2 Samuel 7.

Gone. All the grandeur was lost forever. I had forgotten the extent of the bronze and the magnitude of the size. Do you think the people remaining in Judah mourned the loss of this great place? It doesn’t sound like they put up much of a fight. The army just came in like a big wrecking ball as if to demolish the past. And God allowed it to happen! What would the exiles already in Babylon think when they heard the news?

2 Kings 8:7-15 – God is in Control

Read 2 Kings 8:7-15

I can’t even imagine the anguish Elisha was feeling as he delivered this message to Hazael. Sometimes the truth is painful. The first part of Elisha’s message gave the sick king hope, however short lived it was! As for Hazael, he didn’t waste much time in putting his succession plan in place, did he?

What struck me was how the king of Aram showed his devotion and reverence for Elisha and the LORD. He had seen the LORD at work on several occasions, and his faithfulness and trust is noteworthy! I wonder what Hazael was thinking as he gathered these lavish gifts to show the king’s appreciation to a foreign prophet?