When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. Proverbs 14:32 NIV
When we encounter trouble, God is always the best source of help, protection, and guidance. Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, the Lord is faithful to shield and shelter those who earnestly seek and serve him. Greater than any worldly authority and more reliable than even ourselves, the righteous seek refuge in God.
In this passage from Proverbs, Solomon describes a crucial difference between living in the righteousness of God and living lives of wickedness. Trouble comes to everyone, but the type of trouble and the support received is vastly different.
We read in Matthew 5:45, “that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. WEB” The sun may either warm us or it may burn us. The rain might flood our lives with trouble or it can end a drought, restoring the land.
He Will Cover You
Trouble comes to us all. But when calamity hits the wicked, there is no one to turn to but our fellow sinful man. However, when difficulty arises for the redeemed of the Lord, the faithful have a source of strength that the wicked do not possess. We take refuge in God. As we read in Psalms 91:14, “He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. WEB”
God judges all men. Ecclesiastes 3:17 says, “I said in my heart, ‘God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.’ WEB” Fortunately for believers in Christ, our Lord has paid the price for our wickedness. As we put our faith in Christ, we are forgiven for our sins and seen as righteous by the grace of God.
We no longer live in condemnation. And so, as the unrepentant live under the judgment of God, those who seek the Lord in faith and choose to honor and obey his word and will live in forgiveness. As faithful servants of the Lord, we find refuge in God when trouble comes. Even facing death, we have hope in the eternal God who will receive us into heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you my salvation in Jesus Christ. Thank you for providing me shelter from the storms of life. Guide me with your holy word to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The New Man
