Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer,
BUT the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (V 12)
BUT the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (V 12)
Some Thoughts…
Peter uses Psalm 34:15-16 to help make his point about our words and actions:
1) Our words really mattering to God as they reflect a harmonious, sympathetic, compassionate, and humble spirit.
2) Our actions flow from that same spirit.
And the question is; will we choose to turn to His ways or live selfishly? Will we seek peace and pursue it until it is the norm in our lives or will we “go negative” and choose to use our words and actions to lash out at others and show disdain for God’s providence…What will be our choice? It is a deadly war we fight, but we have a mighty advocate in Christ…and He is looking into our hearts to see if we will choose Him (see 2 Chronicles 16:9 and I John 5:14-15).
But, I must stop for a moment and ask myself for an honest assessment of my life… Am I choosing Jesus and His way over my own attempts to navigate through life? If God is looking at me (I believe He is looking at each of us), am I getting the mercy of His eyes and ears or the sternness of His face of judgment? What is my life to Him? He wants closeness – to listen to my whispering thoughts and interact in spiritual conversation. Do I include Him there or am I distant and detached? He wants to look deep into my need and my brokenness and bring His sustaining touch to heal and make right the wrong. But do I slow myself long enough for His eyes to see my need, or do I think I can hide it from Him, me, and everyone in an attempt to fix it all myself? Like a loving parent desires the closeness of his child, God longs to see and hear me, but am I being so stubborn and rebellious that I refuse to live by His ways or listen to the reasons of the “no’s” and “yeses” of life that He gives.
God offers His life to me…will I accept Him or refuse Him – either way, He is looking at me – will I receive His eyes and ears or His frustrated face? The choice is mine.
A Prayer…
Father, I cry out for mercy…Please hear my prayer, I confess my sin of self-preservation and my impatience with people while I make excuses for my actions and words…Look at me and listen to Your child. I want it Your way…I’ll take whatever discipline is necessary to make me right and I will accept your gift of life – Your way, not mine. Thank You for Your long-suffering mercy. Amen.