"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." Proverbs 22:3
Are you prudent? Do you see evil coming? Let's examine a few facts. Violence and shootings in schools and public places has become common place. Gas prices have reached over $5 a gallon, food prices have risen another 20% and shortages and supply problems plague most industries. The number of car thefts and catalytic converters being stolen has risen ten times greater than a year ago.
Godly standards of life, sex, and marriage are considered evil. Isaiah 5 says woe to those who call evil, good, and good, evil. Companies and the media celebrate pride month or homosexuality like if sin was a good thing and it is freedom to violate the boundaries God has established in creating men and women. Supreme Court justices are being threatened for stopping the murder of 63 million babies! Obviously, there are many more incidents which show the depravity of man, and what Revelation reports, that evil will increase.
Therefore, it is vital to obey this truth of Proverbs 22:3. A quick look at John 14-16 also shows how Jesus told His disciples what was going to happen, so that they would have peace and they would know He came from the Father. In other words, God knows and gives you peace in the storm because He is with you.
Being prudent, consider how to "hide yourself." First, Ephesians 6 reminds us that we are not fighting flesh and blood, but the powers of darkness and need the armor God has provided. Rather than let this just be one more nice Scripture, we need to apply each part by giving thanks for and declaring the truth. For example, "I put on the belt of truth, thank you Jesus, You and Your Word are Truth." Likewise, "Thank you Jesus for giving me Your righteousness. I put on the breastplate of righteousness." It is even helpful for many to physically touch your body as you "dress" in the armor. Having done all, stand.
Second, Jesus overcame the devil's attacks in the desert by speaking the Word of God. The Word of God is powerful, alive, and accomplishes God's purpose. Jesus was not impressed with the Pharisees who could quote the Word, because He knew that fruit only comes when "out of the heart the mouth speaks." Jesus, in His analogy of the vine and the branches, points out, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you..." you will bear fruit. The more we allow the Word of God to penetrate our heart and mind, the more we can speak and stand on the truth against the lies and wiles of the enemy. We have been called to rule (see June 1 post, Rule on Your Knees with Lifted Hands) and speaking the Word with faith is one of the primary ways. Note the role of speaking in Revelation 12:11, "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."
Third, another key to overcoming is found in John 14, when Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled." In short, rest in His peace, be still, rather than pick up the offense. Philippians 4 likewise reminds us to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." David says it this way in Psalm 16:8, "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." If we believe God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28) we can deliberately give thanks in all circumstances and not give the enemy place in our hearts with frustration, anger, and bitterness.
When Jesus was at His greatest time of trial, the Holy Spirit ministered to Him. To reassure the disciples who were troubled by His leaving them, He promised to send the Holy Spirit and peace. The battle has not changed and the need for the power and peace of the Holy Spirit, God in us, is critical. The Spirit gives peace which the world cannot take away. We now see the times of trial are upon us, and as prudent believers, we are called to put on the armor, speak the Word of God, and keep mindful of the Lord's presence in you by giving thanks rather than complaining. Choose to let every attack of the enemy be the motivation that pushes you deeper into "hide yourself in the Lord."
No comments:
Post a Comment