Live in the Eye

Psalm 94:13 (KJV) That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

Psalm 94:19 (KJV) In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

We sometimes think that we are the only ones who ever lived in times of adversity.  Maybe you heard the term “first world problems.”  We tend to think it’s the end of the world, or worry that it might be the beginning of the end of the world, when the power goes out for a few minutes.  We think we are suffering irreparable harm when the air-conditioning breaks down.  Relax.  It can get much worse.  It may get much worse.

Think of the kind of adversity that the people being described in this chapter are going through.  Repeated raging hordes of barbarians sweeping through and killing and murdering.  We’re talking about real adversity.  And in the midst of that real adversity, we have assurances.  I picked out two verses here and the other translations I have reveal aspects that are a little deeper than the King James.

For instance in verse 13 the LSB calls for calm instead of rest.  Both are probably in the original Hebrew, but the assurance that we are not going to get swept away should make you a little bit less agitated.  Then, in verse 19 it talks about anxious thoughts.  In both cases we have the insurance that God is in charge and that He knows we’re here and that He still cares about us.

So?  Is society falling apart?  Do you have a toothache?  Take whatever extreme or whatever spot in the middle you like, and be assured that God is there with you.  Live in the eye of the storm, in the eye of God, and not on the frantic fringes. 

Heart Prep

(Psa 94:15 KJV)  But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

The context of this verse is the observation that society goes through changes.  At times it seems like the forces of evil are in command.  Then God moves.  In the midst of this we are reminded of our place in things.  I am assuming that I am one of the “upright” (3477) in “heart” (3820) [leb].  I am hoping that you are too.  We are to always be in “follow” (310) mode.

That involves always being aware of what is going on around us.  It means that we are to make choices when given the chance.

Making those choices depends on us knowing the difference between truth and compromise.  We can only achieve that by study, prayer and developing habits of obedience.  

So?  Prepare for the decisions that are to come.  If your heart is right with God, then follow your heart.  If you heart is not upright then there is a decision that is already here.