Psalm 34:21,22

Psalm 34:21,22

Praise be to you, Lord God, for how things play out here on earth within the rules you have laid down. As it says in Psalm 34:21 “Evil will slay the wicked;”
 
[we cannot play with evil and win. In the end it will devour those who indulge in it. The devil always destroys his own, of that we can be certain.]
 
In contrast, “the foes of the righteous will be condemned.”
 
[The righteous will be vindicated and their foes–those who oppose righteousness, Satan and his minions and those humans who reject good and love evil, who refuse to bow before Jesus as God, Savior and Lord–they will be judged, condemned and sent to the holding place of wickedness, locked up forever.
 
Praise you, Lord, for your just and right hatred of evil, for your not allowing it into heaven. You are purely good and only what is good will be allowed into the new heaven and earth, continuing for eternity.
 
Praise you that you found the way to eliminate evil from our nature, to free us from both the essence and penalty of sin, to transform us from enemies into emissaries of your Kingdom, from being condemned criminals to cherished children.]
 
Psalm 34:22 “The LORD redeems his servants;”
 
[In you, Lord Jesus, we, your beloved servants, have been bought from the kingdom of darkness, from dwelling in the land of the dead, from unseeing stumbling through life.
 
It is interesting to note that it says “redeems” as an ongoing, consistent action. You, Lord, have redeemed us for eternity, and are continually redeeming, saving us from the evil, trouble and fears which tumble unbidden into our lives. You continually redeem us in every day circumstances from the shackles of sin, from slavery to self and the schemes of Satan.You are the faithful One whom we can trust.
 
I praise you for your faithfulness in following through on your promises, Father, to provide a Savior and salvation for all. I praise you for holding open the gate of grace to every human being, continually offering eternal life to all who are willing to come, receive your forgiveness and bow before you.]
“no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.”
 
[You, Lord Jesus, are the true and mighty Rock of refuge, the Place of protection and pardon, the Fortress of forgiveness. Praise be to you for your lavish Love, your mighty Power, you great Grace and your persistent Goodness as you seek to bring all into your Kingdom, even though you know all will not come.
 
Your unending Love is so Great, so Mighty, so Eternal, so All-embracing, flowing on and on in spite of what we are. You are worthy of our love and adoration, our fear and obedience, our worship and exaltation.
 
Lord, today may you be glorified in my life because you are worthy. May you be lifted high in my being, exalted in my words, extolled in my thoughts, actions and motives. To you belongs honor; may it flow bountifully to you today. Amen.