Just thanks

Light shines on the righteous,
and gladness on the good.
All you that are righteous be glad
because of what the Lord has done!
Remember what the holy God has done,
and give thanks to him. (verses 11,12)

Read Psalm 97

So, in the end, justice will be done. What a wonderful thing to know that God is just and that sooner or later he will make sure all evildoers are brought to judgment. Sometimes it seems as if evil runs rampant and unchecked in the world and that good and innocent people suffer at the hands of the wicked. But the Bible says God will set things right.

What comfort do you find in that?

Like all people, you know enough about yourself to realise that your standing as a good person is questionable. You know how much you fall short of perfection. Because of this, God’s promise can feel more like a threat than a word of comfort. That is until you realise God’s definition of being just doesn’t involve your ability to keep his law but depends on whether you accept being justified before him because Jesus died for your sins.

What do you say to such a loving God? Just thanks.

Lord, thank you for your power, which brings justice to the world, and for your love, which ensures my forgiveness. Amen.

By Richard Hauser, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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