«They are dependable and not afraid, and they will live to see their enemies defeated» (Psalm 112:8 CEV)
Do you wish someone who has harmed you ill will? Do you say, «I leave everything in the hands of God,» but hope that those hands will take revenge? Do you think, «Everyone reaps what they sow,» while you hope that someone reaps a lot of pain? Are things going badly for someone and you say, «They had it coming!»
Great wisdom and much tact and prayer are needed to successfully confront someone who is abusing or mocking you, or who is damaging your reputation or your leadership. The people who have suffered abuse are often not very good at confronting injustice.
The last part of today’s text is intriguing. Looking at different versions can help us understand it better: «he will look in triumph on his foes» (CSB); «they will look down on their enemies [foes]» (EXB); «can calmly face his foes» (TLB); «But will look with satisfaction on his enemies» (NASB); «until he sees his desire on his adversaries» RSV); «he shall gloat over his enemies» (WYC).
How do we harmonize this with the following declarations? «All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life—the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others or causes us even to wish them harm (for «whoso hateth his brother is a murderer»)—are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.»—Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, ch. 57, p. 527. «The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and it led him to put to death the Son of God. Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness is cherishing the same spirit, and its fruit will be unto death. In the revengeful thought the evil deed lies enfolded, as the plant in the seed.»—Ibid., p. 524. «Revenge has never conquered a foe.”- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, ch. 32, p. 367.
«The law of God takes note of the jealousy, envy, hatred, malignity, revenge, lust, and ambition that surge through the soul, but have not found expression in outward action because the opportunity, not the will, has been wanting. And these sinful emotions will be brought into the account in the day when ‘God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil’ (Ecclesiastes 12:14).»- Character, and Personality, vol. 2, ch, 57, p. 526.
In summary, do the first part of the verse, «be not afraid,» and God will do the rest. He will know how and when to give you a victory that is in harmony with God’s desire to save humanity. The truth will triumph, and you will triumph with it.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
