“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” -Psalm 31:15
In his meditation on God’s presence, David reminds us that our times are in His hands. This refers to any and all of the circumstances in our lives—the good, bad, evil, and righteous.
Over the years, I have often quoted this verse to the Lord while praying through difficult circumstances, especially in life or death situations. I vividly remember a firefight in Vietnam when I thought I was going to die. My Heavenly Father brought this verse to mind, and I started laughing as I ran forward, saying out loud, “Lord, is this the day I catch a bullet and come into Your presence? My times are in Your hands.” Then I would laugh.
I could be full of joy in this scenario because of the presence of Jesus in my life. This is possible for followers of Jesus when we truly believe the joy of the Lord is our strength and our times are in His hands.
Today I believe the call of Scripture must be a fresh and joyful abandonment to the purpose of God because of these truths.
"'When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?'” -Psalm 11:3
This psalm and others paint a picture of our day where the wicked mock, laugh, and ignorantly say, “He won’t call me to account (Psalm 10:13)”.
But light was made to penetrate this darkness. The truth exists to deny this lie.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” -John 14:6
The reigning belief of our world is that we are the masters of our souls. But that is simply not true. We need Jesus and cannot be right with the Father unless we know the Son. And our mandate today is to go public with the light of His life at a time when many refer to evil as good, darkness as light, and to bitterness as sweet (Isaiah 5:20).
In the midst of this, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).”
Jesus calls Himself the “truth.” When truth is declared by the Holy Spirit through believers like you and me, righteousness will rise and the deceiver will flee.
So, speak the truth of Jesus Christ today. Honor Him by letting His presence reign in you today. As you do, evil will flee, darkness will become light, and God’s glory will be seen as the gospel is declared by you regardless of your circumstances.
Your time is safe and secure in His hands.
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