Daily Devotional for Wednesday, September 11

Anticipating the Future

“I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly,” Psalm 85:8.

“Listen up!” What mother never said these words? When you did hear those words, you knew it was time to settle down, stop what you were doing and listen. This phrase does not mean just to hear, but it means to obey. I will hear what you say. I will obey.

The Lord once again had brought His people out of captivity. Now it was time for them to listen up and to turn to the Lord in repentance of their actions. The psalmist knew it was time to listen to the Lord. God is always waiting for His people to turn from sin and listen to Him. When you choose to listen, you are choosing to obey. When you choose to obey, God brings peace.

Verse 10 says, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Throughout the Old Testament, God shows mercy to Israel numerous times. In the human mind, it is hard to fathom how merciful God is. Yet, the truth is, He is. God will show mercy to anyone who is honest about his sin and is willing to turn from it. In His mercy, He provides truth. The truth of His grace, faithfulness and love.

When you also decide to listen up and obey instead of going your own way, the path of righteousness you choose brings peace. God longs to give peace to His people, but peace is connected to righteousness. Verse 10 says they have kissed each other. This denotes a connection. You cannot have one without the other. Walking in the paths of God’s righteousness produces peace.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Peace is only produced by righteousness. If you want peace to rule in your heart, you must listen up and obey.

Karry Irizarry