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Read Psalm 64:10.

Psalm 64 discusses the various attacks the enemy uses to bring us down. All around us, evil seeks to overcome and make us captive to fear. The presence of this evil produces tension, and no matter where we live, our lives—at any given moment—can be filled with it. Maybe we have stress at home, or difficulty at work, or perhaps a large amount pressure or strain on certain relationships. I have found that oftentimes this tension is intensified in life on the mission field.

However, when the attacks of the evil one seem especially strong and the tension feels overwhelming, I take much joy in the truths of Psalm 64:10. I am reminded the necessity of a pure heart before the Lord. In the face of oppression by the wicked, the righteous rejoice as they find their refuge in God who judges the heart. With a pure heart we can exult in our Lord, sing, and rejoice.

As Proverbs 29:6 states, “An evil man is ensnared in his transgressions, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.” When we walk in purity, we have nothing to fear.

Our response to the evil and tension around us turns from retaliation to refuge because it is God’s to avenge. This turning is only by the grace of God, for we all once lived in the flesh. Now we live by the humility given by God’s love and forgiveness.

When we understand the gospel’s power and the humility salvation brings, we are free to rejoice and take refuge in our God. The tension brought about by evil ceases to paralyze us, and we respond in grace by following the example of Christ as we entrust ourselves to the one who judges justly.

Father, we praise You for Your just judgment. Thank You for the reminder that we can rejoice in the midst of life’s tension. Amen.

-from a missionary to Southeast Asia