February 28

February 28

The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

 Obedience to God's authority doesn't come easily for any of us. I heard one of the preachers I most admire say (quoting Nietzsche, oddly enough) that the life of the disciple requires a “long obedience in the same direction.” But are we saddled with nothing but sacrifices in this long obedience of ours? Hardly. Oh sure, obedience to God often entails not going our own way, not doing as we please. But if peace is the fruit of righteousness, then joy is the wine from the fruit! Joy will ultimately flow from obedience, and few things display God's splendor more appealingly!

Make Your way to the everlasting ruins, to all that the enemy has destroyed in the sanctuary. Psalm 74:3

 You may have taken many looks back at your life and found nothing but reasons to be angrier or more depressed. I understand. I've done exactly the same. Then I learned the difference between rebuilding and preserving. I was reminded of this as I stood at the Acropolis in Athens. Our guide estimated how much money they spend every year “preserving the ruins.” We do the same thing ourselves. Rather than working with God to rebuild, we just keep revisiting and preserving. We never get over it. But that's about the best we can do, unless we make sure never to go back there without God, our only sure Restorer.

Moore, Beth (2010-07-19). Breaking Free Day by Day (pp. 61-62). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.