5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
TODAY’S BIBLE READING:
Zechariah 2:1–3:10
Revelation 12:18–13:18
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 30:18-20
TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):
Psalm 141:8-10 (CSB): “But my eyes look to you, LORD, my Lord. I seek refuge in you; do not let me die. Protect me from the trap they have set for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.”
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):
Everyone knows what it’s like to have someone who is out to get them. If you live long enough, you’ll have an encounter with someone like that.
Maybe you did something or said something with the intention of hurting them. Maybe you hurt them accidentally. Maybe they envy you for some reason. Maybe you got a promotion at work that they were denied. On and on the possibilities can go.
The end result is that they are against you. Maybe they resort to cowardly gossip. Maybe they insult you. Maybe (the worst-case scenario) you are afraid for your life.
How should a Jesus-follower respond? What are we to do?
The answer to that question requires a mind that is greatly informed by a lot of Scripture intake. It also requires a lot of spiritual maturity and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
But, let me give you a few pointers based on our Verses for Today:
- We must realize that when someone is out to get us, our eyes must look toward the Lord. We must realize that our safety is ultimately in His hands.
- We must pray specifically like the psalmist. He prayed that the Lord would “not let me die” and that He would “Protect me from the trap they have set for me.” Further, he prayed for divine justice when he said: “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.” So, pray, pray, pray!
- But, these previous two points do not negate taking steps to protect ourselves. As Jesus-followers, we have the right to NOT defend ourselves and Jesus is our example. But, we also have the right to defend ourselves if we desire. Maybe we need to let a superior know what is going on. Maybe we need to ask to be relocated at work. Maybe we need to have a gentle and yet confrontational meeting with the perpetrator.
All of this requires spiritual maturity. But, you need to develop it because, eventually, it will come in handy … especially when you develop an enemy.
Matt’s Musings 