There is no doubt that our nation is becoming ever more accepting of sin and wickedness. Over the past several decades, we have legalized the murdering of unborn children, accepted adultery and other forms of sexual immorality as the norm, and determined that everyone should do what is right in his or her own eyes. As a person who strives to honor and glorify the Lord in my life, I find it is easy to become discouraged. Our nation is pulling further and further from God and Christian are becoming persecuted for standing up for our beliefs.
As I read God’s word, however, I realize that this is nothing new. Sinners have always done evil and tried to persecute those who serve the Lord. David wrote often about his sufferings in the years between being anointed to be the next king of Israel and the fulfillment of that promise.
Psalm 36 opens with these words from David, “An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.” (Psalm 36: 1,2) Wow! Interesting choice of words, for sure: “in his own eyes, he flatters himself.” I have never thought of those who are leading our nation deeper into sins as flatters of themselves, but it does make senses. Those who support the killing of innocent, unborn children have convinced themselves that they are ‘protecting the rights of women.’ This is certainly an example of self-flattery. Not only have they convinced themselves that abortion is not a sin, but they congratulate themselves on doing something good and noble.
David continues, “The words of his [the wicked] mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.” (Psalm 36: 3, 4)
It truly is discouraging to witness politicians and political activists leading our nation to even greater depths of sin. Yet, I know that God is on the throne. He allows mankind to run the show for a while, but He is never far away and He will not allow this evil to continue indefinitely. In Psalm 37:7 – 9 David reminds us of this. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil. for evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
Susan's Reflections 