I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, – Psalm 7:17
Recent history textbooks have re-examined the founding and development of the United States, incorporating perspectives that highlight social justice issues and historical oppression. These texts often scrutinize the actions and beliefs of the Founding Fathers, sometimes portraying them in a critical light. While it’s important to acknowledge past injustices, focusing predominantly on the negatives can overshadow the positive contributions and ideals that have also shaped the nation.
Today’s psalm references the desperate conflict between King Saul and God’s anointed, David. Out of jealousy and bitterness, Saul and his army were even intending to kill David, forcing David to flee, hide, and plead with God to deliver him. Numerous chapters in 1 Samuel tell of the many accounts. Even though David was confident of his own innocence, he humbled himself and prayed for God’s protection against the fury of his enemies. He put his reliance on the righteousness of God.
Anti-Christian sentiment has brewed in America. The time may come when you feel oppressed, even persecuted, for standing for Jesus. Author, scholar, and podcaster Dr. Kevin DeYoung writes that while it is clear “that most of us still have it pretty good most of the time… Christians might be persecuted in America. … From stiff fines to family shame, to being kicked off college campuses, to laws against sharing our faith, to unjust trials, to public mockery and scorn, to arrest and brutality, if we faithfully follow Jesus in this world, we all will face persecution at some point in our Christian discipleship. Even American Christians.” The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:12, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” If you are facing oppression or persecution, pray! Then, give thanks for every deliverance that God brings you each day. Keep trusting Him.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 7:17
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 3:12-17
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
