The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Psalm 37:14-15
In late January, as I completed study on one book in the new Testament, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide me to the next book. He led me to the Psalms. No accident at all, given the theme my quiet time has taken this year. Worship - it's all about worship. Sitting at the feet of our precious and mighty Jesus and worshipping Him. God has been speaking to me about subtraction; particularly, addition by subtraction. Removing things / activities / ways of thinking so that I can be more fully His and in His will.
This morning I have been reading Psalm 36 & 37. As I came to verse 14-15 in Psalm 37, the Holy Spirit prompted me to stop there for a moment. And I experienced one of those great "a-ha" moments.
It should be no surprise that there are many who seek the harm and suppression of believers. In our government, in our schools, in our clubs, etc. And it's useful to be on guard and informed. But when does simply being informed regarding their wicked schemes cross over into pursuing something that is distracting from my one true purpose: worshipping and glorifying Jesus. Especially when we know the ultimate outcome!
Now some may be called to battle on behalf of the "rights" of Christians and I pray that those who are called, step up and obey our Father. I just don't think that is me. I am coming to realize that reading email messages daily about boycotting this, or writing a newspaper about that is a distraction for me. Satan is using these messages to distract me from my one true purpose: to love my God with all my heart, my mind, my spirit and my soul. And to love my neighbor as myself. By reading these email notices, I have noticed my heart begin to harden against certain groups of people. This is blatant sin!
So, Father, I pray for love. I pray that I live inside for Your will. I pray that my life reveals You and Your glory. And I leave the rest to You.
