Thought for the Day

Verse 1 - The first verse above gives us an admonition, while the second verse gives the result of keeping that admonition. What wonderful promises God gives us! If we do not forget His laws, but keep them in our hearts and obey them, they produce peace, long life, and days full of accomplishment - besides the many other things the Lord promises His people.

Over the years, I have heard people say things like "You never know when it will be your time to go" or "It may be God's will to take you home when you are young." Today's verses, and other verses, however, promise long life if we do certain things: "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:14-16). "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened" (Proverbs 10:27).

Verse 2 - God desires to bless us and our families with long life and peace. These promises are as available to us as are His many other blessings, but they are conditional. We must keep His Word in our hearts and appropriate His promises through faith and obedience. He has a wonderful purpose for every individual on earth and promises long life to fulfill them. However, we have an enemy who is determined to destroy us. Jesus spoke of Satan as a thief; he seeks to rob our families and us of the peace and long life that God promises (John 10:10). We must learn God's Word and walk in His ways to protect ourselves and our families from the enemy. One passage we can claim daily is Psalm 91. If we are in God's will, He will protect us, regardless of geographic location or circumstances. We could be in a war zone and still be safe; conversely, we could be in the safest place in the world and still have a fatal accident if we are not in His will, for then we are open to Satanic attack. The only safe place is in the will of God.

As we meditate on God's Word, and claim it by faith, we become overcomers in Christ, living abundant lives and fulfilling His purposes. Satan can take a Christian's life prematurely; however, the devil is ultimately defeated since we are promised eternal life in heaven.