Psalm 119 verses 23-24(NIV)
Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verses 19-22 (NIV)
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
Two separate portions caught my attention this morning. At first glance there may not seem to be a link between them, but I think there is.
The verses in the psalms remind us that we may not always be popular. Not everyone will like us. Maybe some people will gossip about us. The most important thing to do if that happens is to take the matter to God. See what He has to say and take comfort in His word and His promises.
If we allow ourselves to get affected by gossip or slander, we can become disheartened, and we must be careful that we don’t allow such circumstances to impact our spiritual life. Paul taught the Thessalonians not to quench the Spirit, and we mustn’t, especially if we are facing any kind of opposition. We must, as Paul tells us, hold on to what is good, and reject every kind of evil, that includes gossip and slander.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that in hard times our refuge is in You and in Your Word. Thank You that we can hold on to what is good. I pray that You will encourage and strengthen any of your people who are being slandered or mistreated because of their faith and stand for You. I ask that they will know the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit moving in their lives. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.