Trust God; Do Good" March 19 Readings: Deuteronomy 15-16, Mark 15:1–20, Psalm 37:1–7, Proverbs 8:30-31

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 Through the Bible in 2021


Bible Readings:  Deuteronomy 15-16, Mark 15:1–20, Psalm 37:1–7, Proverbs 8:30-31  


Daily Devotional:  Trust God, Do Good

Have you heard about what the Astrofragarian cult is doing? It's awful! Actually, I just made that one up, but rumors and social media conspiracy theories abound about terrible things in our world being done by terrible people. A few of them are even true. The fact is, we live in a sinful world and in a world like this, sinful people sometimes do terrible things. 

Christian people often live in fear and dismay at the wickedness of this evil world. Some get so wrapped up in conspiracy theories and the actions of darkness that they lose sight of the power and goodness of God and shipwreck spiritually. They act as if evil is sovereign and God is either helpless or disinterested in the events of this world. Some grant excess power to the enemy and the evil actions of sinners, assuming that somehow they can thwart the will and ways of God with their depravity. 

The interplay of God's sovereignty and human sin is a mystery. The Bible makes it clear that God is writing this world's story and also that every human being is responsible for their sinful choices. God is not the author of sin. Still, we are never going to completely understand how a God who is in control of everything can use sin for his glory. 

David, in Psalm 37, does not try to figure it all out or explain all the mysteries. He simply tells the people of Israel how they need to live in the light of these two realities. There are two principles he states that are good for us to remember. 

1. Do not  be agitated by evildoers (verse 1) 

David reminded his readers that while evil men do evil deeds, God's people do not need to either be stressed out and afraid of them nor do we need to envy them and the things they do.  Though it seems that these evil people and their schemes often succeed (and often, that is only in the fearful minds of people), God promises to deal with them. Like grass, they spring up and then wither. 

2. We must trust in God and do good. (verse 3)

Our first duty is to trust God and do what is right and good, to obey God and walk in his ways. The evil actions of evil people never excuse us from doing what is right. "But..." NO! There is never an excuse based on what others are doing or how badly someone else treated you. We do not get a pass on trusting God and obeying him because of how badly someone else behaved. 

Our duty is to delight ourselves in God. 

My friend, God knows the evil in this world and it is not stressing him out. He is still accomplishing his will and causing his plan to be accomplished. You need not be afraid and you do not have to try to sort things out on your own. The evil people of this world will have their day but our God is still in control and he will stand supreme. 

Father, thank you for your sovereign authority and glory. May I trust you and not be made fearful by the evil works of evil men. 

Consider God's Word:

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Are you deeply involved in social media conspiracies and spreading fear about the works of evil people? 
Do you trust God to accomplish his work in this world and in you? 



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