Living With God

"...they have now compassed us in our steps ..." - Psalm 17:11

The Psalmist, King David of the Bible, faced difficulties, but he faced them with the assurance he did not face them alone. His enemies weren't surrounding just him, they were surrounding him and God, and God always wins.

Jesus said

"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:23

If you have submitted your life to Christ and are following him by reading his word, the Bible, and obeying to the best of your ability and understanding, those who fight you have a monumental task because God doesn't lose, and everything He allows He uses for your good.

- fritz

Releasing from Animosity

"[D]eliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword" - Psalm 17:13b

There are wicked people in this world over which we have little control - people who would do us harm if they could, and sometimes do.

But the Psalmist makes an important declaration by calling them God's sword.

Terrorists, self serving politicians, conspirators, even bosses from the place it doesn't snow, are not in control of God's people, God is!

This means I don't have to be afraid of them. I can pray, help those whose job it is to protect us, and trust God. Jesus said,

"I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." - Luke 12:4

This also means they are not mine to judge, hate, or wish them harm.

I think this is how Elizabeth Elliott was able to return and share Christ to the very jungle villages of those who killed her husband.

When we see Christ in control of our lives, and are surrendered to his purposes, animosity ebbs away.

- fritz