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Reading the Word
Psalm 120:1-7 (ESV)
1 In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior’s sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
In this psalm, we read the words of one who understands the reality of life in this world as a child of God. To live in this world is to live among people who do not share the same view of the world and these two different views can be strongly opposed to one another. As a result, there can be a potential for conflict.
The psalmist writes, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for conflict.” If you are ever discouraged by the way others respond to your faith and the message of the gospel, be encouraged. Our Lord faced resistance as well and met it with love and peace. We are called to do the same as we live in this world and proclaim the message of peace to those who will receive it.
**Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. Please be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along each day.
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