A psalm of David. i wonder if it came before or after Bathsheba? It is certainly easier to set before our eyes wicked things these days. Temptation is everywhere. But here it is pretty important i think, to remember James, "No one who is being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is dragged away and enticed by his own desires. Then desire, after it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is brought to completion, gives birth to death."
It's not God who brings temptation. The tree in the garden wasn't temptation, it was testing. It was a place to go and see if you truly loved God and trusted Him. It was so that we may know what is in our hearts. God already knows. God knew what Eve would do before He slid Adam's rib out, before He even scooped up some dust to mold Adam. The tree was not temptation. Eve's heart's desire to be her own god, to have control, her fear of insecurity is what tempted her. Heck, even Satan just gave the last nudge.
Self control. It is the product of the fruit of the Spirit. Which explains why it is in such short supply these days. Pray for the Spirit. Do business with the Spirit. Listen to Him. Repent of the sins which deafen us, which spring from our desires, to have control, to be our own gods. Take courage, fear not, hasn't God already said He is with you and will go before you?
Isn't it funny when something comes at just the right time to make an impact? Needed this today.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny. And amazing and reassuring and verification of the Gospel! i took a horrible hit the other day, was about as low as i could be and God in His provision had me reading and drawing Psalm 102 that day for Rascal. i read those words and i knew, just knew, that God was going before me, that he had this, knew it was coming and was waiting for me there. The darker times i go through, the more God shines in my eyes. Can't tell you how much i have loved this and Him!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear from you Sarah.