Day 51 with David: The Lord favors those who are His.

“Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, Who speak peace to their neighbors, But evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, And according to the wickedness of their endeavors; Give them according to the work of their hands; Render to them what they deserve.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We live in an hour when it seems that there is a strong movement toward wanting to ensure that people have not only equal opportunities, but equal outcomes. That way of governance always ends up with a suppressed working class ruled over by an oppressive ruling class. Trying to assure that everyone have the same outcome, results in the demoralization of those who want to work toward success. Additionally, it causes strife between those who are good stewards of their lives and those who are not. But—sure enough—this system does end up making most everyone (of course, the “rulers” are exempted) equal: equally miserable, oppressed and poor. When the emphasis switches from making sure there’s an even playing field, to “handicapping” those considered to be more “privileged,” it won’t be long until you find yourself in the pit of Socialism.

Now, I won’t just limit my observations (rant?) to the secular world. In fact, I have seen increased emphasis in the messages coming from religious leaders, toward a “gospel” that has no cost associated with it. Now, whereas God has given everyone the same opportunity, He certainly does not guarantee the same outcome. Salvation is a free gift of God accessed by the individual who identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And, if He is not made Lord, He is not Savior. Yet, many pastors put no emphasis on seeking the Lord in a meaningful way.

Over and over in God’s word we see that He responds to those who draw near to Him.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

‭‭James‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Understand, if He had not initially reached out to us, we would die in our sin. Yet now—through Jesus Christ—we have an open invitation to come to Him! But, only those who seek Him, will find Him; only those who honor Him will receive from Him. If people don’t think that’s fair, I will let them take that up with the Lord.

Most of us are familiar with the story of the children of Israel and their deliverance from Egypt. Just before their exit from Egypt, we know of the terrible plagues brought to the land; but God made a difference between those who were His and those who were not.

“And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭8:22-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In Isaiah, when the Lord is speaking through the prophet about all the destruction that would come on those who have turned from Him, he makes this statement of consolation to the righteous:

“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, For the reward of his hands shall be given him.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭3:10-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In our passage from Psalms today we see David beseeching the Lord that a difference would be made between he and his enemies; that he not suffer the same consequences as the wicked. Indeed this was a theme that came up in many of David’s psalms:

“Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26:9-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If you belong to the Lord and your desire is for what He wants, He will do good things for you no matter what is going on with the wicked. You should not hesitate to ask that He treat you differently than the world; He wants that as well!

For today let us know and understand what David knew:

The Lord favors those who are His.

#100dayswithdavid