23 Trinity – Wednesday

The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.  The Lord shall laugh at him; for He seeth that his day is coming.  – Psalm 37:12-13

The righteous man who walks in the ways of the Lord, who eschews evil and reproves it, is a thorn in the side of the wicked, as smoke to his eyes, and a sting in his conscience as “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) to an open wound.  Not unexpectedly, therefore, the wicked plots against the just, and gnashes on him with his teeth, and draws out his sword and bends his bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation (Psalm 37:14), and watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him (v. 32).  But the Lord, who rules all things, shall laugh at him, for He sees that the wicked is as nothing; He sees that his day is coming, the day of his downfall.  Woe to him at whom the Lord laughs thus!  The sword which he drew out against the just shall enter into his own heart, and his bow shall be broken (v. 15).  Therefore, O child of God, be not afraid of the terror of the wicked, neither be troubled (I Peter 3:14).  Wait on the Lord, and keep His way; depart from evil, and do good, and you shall dwell forevermore; and the Lord shall exalt you when His time comes, and it shall be well with you.   For the Lord loves judgment and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever.  The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.  But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.  When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.  How often one does see this even now!  David says: “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.  Yet he passed away, and, lo! he was not.  Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found” (vv. 35-36).  Yes, the wicked plot against the just; but the Lord will not leave him in his hand.  The Lord will not condemn the just when the wicked judges him.  Fear not!

PRAYER – Lord, my God, Thou art my Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble.  Therefore will I not fear when the wicked plot against me and desire my hurt.  For Thou art my Hope, O Lord God; Thou art my Trust.  Thou art my Rock and my Fortress.  For Jesus’ sake, Thou wilt keep me safe and secure in the arms of Thy mercy; Thou wilt not suffer me to be moved from my confidence in Thy grace manifested in Christ, the Author and Finisher of my faith.  Though the wicked perish in their unbelief, let me be Thine forever, by Thy grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith in His merits.  Amen.

 

Thou art my Strength, my Shield, my Rock, my Fortress that withstands each shock, my Help, my Life, my Treasure.  Whate’er the rod, Thou art my God; naught can resist Thy pleasure.

The world for me has falsely set full many a secret snare and net to tempt me and to harm me.  Lord, make them fail; do Thou prevail; let their disguise not charm me.

With Thee, Lord, have I cast my lot; O faithful God, forsake me not.  To Thee my soul commending, Lord, be my Stay; lead Thou the way now and when life is ending.

Hymn 524, 4-6:

 

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.