Do not drag me away with the wicked— with those who do evil— those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt!”
Psalms 28:3-5 NLT Although this Psalm isn't listed in the group called the "Imprecatory Psalms" (5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, 137, 140), the content of it is very similar. "Imprecate" is a verb that means - to pray evil against or to proclaim a curse upon. Do you ever feel surrounded by evil people? Do you recognize the end of people like that? There are consequences for our choices. Evil actions will always lead to a dreadful end. God’s judgment will be exacted upon those who choose to live wicked lives. At times, it may appear that wicked people are allowed to go unpunished. Sometimes, the one who has done the wrong seems to be happy and unaffected by their evil conduct. Although this may “appear” to be so, rest assured that there is One who sees all that is done. He will judge righteously! If a wicked person chooses to go on in their wickedness, the consequences will take their toll and the ultimate end of their lives will be eternal separation from God. Evil actions have consequences in two ways: temporary and eternal. Some consequences will be experienced in the here and now. Some will follow to the judgment day of God. David prayed for God to deliver him from the snares of wicked men. Let us pray the same. However, let us also remember where we once were - among the wicked. Let us take a moment to thank God for his mercy upon us. All of us have done things that are evil. We have all sinned (see Romans 3:23). Remember where He has brought you from - and where you could have been. Had it not been for God’s grace and mercy we, too, would be a casualty. Take a moment, right now, to humbly thank Him! Express yourself to Him. Tell Him how grateful you are. If you feel vexed by the evil people around you, pray. Place them in God’s righteous hands. He will do what is just!
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March 2020
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