“Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from Your statutes.” -Psalm 119:157

After focusing on the Lord’s compassion, petitioning Him to preserve his life, the psalmist circles back to his enemies as in verse 155. The writer is stating his case before God, as to what he is up against, yet the servant of God remains blameless. He has not retaliated, taking revenge in his own hands. Any faithful saint will have foes because our Master told us it would be so (John 15:18-25). Sometimes it seems even other Christians are threatened by another’s zeal for the things of God. Do not let that dampen your fervor for your Father in Heaven. Whether the antagonist be within or outside the gate, the heart He gave you to follow Him stays true. Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. This is what happens when we entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly. What is our reputation in the eyes of man, so long as we are blameless before God? Taking the eternal perspective frees us to live before an audience of One and not live for the fear of man.

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: Romans 12:9-21; 1 Peter 2:9-25; 4:12-19