Readings for today: Obadiah 1, Psalms 82-83
Life is a product of the choices we make. Yes, I fully understand there are circumstances outside our control. Yes, I fully understand there are forces beyond our control. Yes, I fully understand there are things that influence us one direction or another. But we are not powerless. We are not victims. We are not helpless or hopeless in the face of such things. We all get to make choices. Every single day. Choices that determine our quality of life and quality of relationships. I have met many people who had nothing but chose joy. I have met many people who have everything but choose despair. I have met people who have faced great adversity and overcome. I have met people who faced great adversity and were crushed. I have met people who dealt with their grief and pain and suffering by turning to God. They became lights in the midst of the darkness. I have met people who dealt with their grief and pain and suffering by turning to substance abuse or some other self-destructive pattern of behavior. They were overcome by the darkness. Not all of us are dealt the same cards in life but all of us do get to choose how to play them.
What’s true for us as individuals is also true of nations. God could not be more clear. The nations will be judged by the same measure by which they judge others. They will be treated in the same way they treat others. Jesus Himself said, “For with the measure you use, so it will be measured back to you.” Perhaps He was thinking of these words from the prophet Obadiah when He said them, “For the day of the Lord is near, against all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; what you deserve will return on your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15 CSB) Every individual makes choices. Every nation makes choices. Will they choose to serve God or will they choose to serve themselves? Will they seek the good of those around them or will they exploit them for their own benefit? It’s not like God’s will is a secret. He clearly communicates what He expects. “Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked.” (Psalms 82:3-4 CSB) The main question is…will we do it? Will we obey Him? Will we follow Him?
From the moment you wake up, you are making choices and your decisions will determine the course of your life. You make decisions regarding your physical health. Mental health. Spiritual health. Emotional health. You make decisions on how you will treat those around you. Those you live with and among. You will make decisions on how you spend your time and money and energy. Most importantly, you will set priorities that will govern how you decide and when you decide and what you decide. Are your priorities aligned with God’s priorities for your life?
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 45-48