When Job was struck by devastating loss—his wealth, his health, and even his children—he turned to his grieving wife and said:
“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10, NKJV)
This raises a deep theological question: Do times of trouble also come from God? Or does God only give us what is pleasant?
Let’s read the full verse in Job 2:10 (NKJV):
“But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”
Job’s response shows a mature understanding of God’s sovereignty. He acknowledges that God is in control of all things, not just the good, but also the difficult. Importantly, Job did not accuse God of wrongdoing—he trusted that God had a purpose, even if he didn’t understand it at the time.
It’s critical to understand that God is not the author of evil. Scripture affirms this:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” (James 1:13, NKJV)
God may permit adversity, suffering, or testing—but He does not produce moral evil. Evil arises from the fallen world, human sin, and the activity of Satan. However, God sovereignly uses even painful circumstances for His redemptive purposes.
This is seen clearly in Joseph’s story:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20, NKJV)
Adversity is often God’s tool for transformation. What seems like loss may be preparation for greater gain. God’s refining work in us happens in trials:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2–3, NKJV)
Job’s story is a powerful example of this. Though he lost everything, God restored him with double:
“Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” (Job 42:12, NKJV)
Job didn’t know it, but his suffering had a divine purpose. God was vindicating Job’s faith, exposing the schemes of Satan (Job 1:6–12), and preparing Job for a deeper understanding of God’s greatness (Job 38–42).
Sometimes what appears to be “bad” is simply the process leading to something better:
In all these examples, adversity was the doorway to breakthrough.
Seasons of testing are where godly character is formed:
God uses these seasons to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28–29). What we often call “bad times” may actually be God’s way of making us more like Jesus.
Let’s be clear: God does not bring destruction to His children.
“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?… how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:11,13, NKJV)
God disciplines, yes (Hebrews 12:6), but never to destroy. His goal is always restoration and growth. He is a good Father—even when He allows hardship.
James 5:11 (NKJV) sums it up perfectly:
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
God’s goal was not to break Job, but to bless him—and through his endurance, Job received a deeper revelation of God and greater blessings than he had before.
So when Job asked, “Shall we accept good from God, and not adversity?”—he wasn’t suggesting that God is the source of evil. He was affirming that God is sovereign over every season, including those of sorrow and pain.
As believers, we can rest in the truth that:
So trust Him—not just in the blessing, but also in the battle.
The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. May He strengthen you in every season you’re in.
If you’d like help receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we’d love to talk with you and pray for you. Please reach out using the contact information below. This decision is the most important step toward living a life of purpose, peace, and eternal hope.
Print this post
The Book of Esther does not directly reveal the name of its author, unlike some other biblical books that clearly identify their writers. Because of this lack of explicit attribution, both Jewish and Christian traditions have offered various theories regarding the authorship of the book.
Some believe that Mordecai, a central figure in the narrative, may have authored it. Others suggest Ezra, Nehemiah, or an anonymous Jewish historian who had intimate knowledge of the Persian empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).
However, the majority view especially among Jewish scholars leans towards Mordecai as the most likely author. This is due to several factors:
Mordecai is not only a key character in the Book of Esther, but the text also records his direct actions and communications, suggesting possible authorship. For instance, Esther 9:20–21 says:
“Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year,” Esther 9:20–21, ESV
This passage suggests that Mordecai not only documented the events but also instituted the commemoration of the festival of Purim.
The detailed insider knowledge regarding palace events, royal decrees, and even the internal dynamics of royal banquets and judgments, indicate that the author had access to the Persian royal court. For example, Mordecai, as one who “sat at the king’s gate” (Esther 2:19, 21), would have been well positioned to gather such information:
“Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate… In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate…” Esther 2:19, 21, ESV
This role likely placed him among the royal officials or advisors, giving him privileged insight into the empire’s inner workings.
Another indicator that Mordecai may have authored the book is his instrumental role in establishing and preserving the Feast of Purim, as seen in:
“Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim. Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them…” Esther 9:29–31, ESV
This suggests that he not only initiated the practice but also intended for it to be recorded and remembered by future generations perhaps by authoring the very book that tells the story.
Regardless of who the human author was whether Mordecai or another Jewish writer the ultimate significance of the Book of Esther lies in God’s providential care for His people.
Interestingly, the book never explicitly mentions the name of God (Yahweh). However, His divine hand is evident throughout the story:
As Romans 8:28 later affirms:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, ESV
Whether Mordecai or another individual wrote the Book of Esther, the most important point is the message it carries: God preserves His people, even in exile, and uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes.
Just as Queen Esther was called to her position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), so too are believers called to act with courage and faith in times of challenge.
May the Lord bless you as you study His Word.
Psalm 29:3 (KJV)
“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.”
Let us go back to the beginning of creation:
Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
Before anything else, the entire earth was covered with water, and then God spoke.
Have you ever considered this: If there had been no water, would God have spoken at that moment? Of course, the Word of God is sovereign and not limited by elements. However, God follows His own divine order and patterns when He chooses to speak. He doesn’t release His authoritative voice just anywhere or in any condition.
The Psalmist, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, confirms this mystery:
This is not just poetic imagery. It reveals a spiritual principle: God’s voice often manifests in places that are full of “waters” symbolic of the Spirit, preparation, and purity.
We must understand: God does not dwell in literal bodies of water like oceans or rivers. Instead, God chooses to dwell in the hearts of people.
A heart full of “living water” a heart saturated with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Just as natural clouds must be filled with water before thunder is heard, in the same way, the human heart must be filled with the Spirit for the thundering voice of God to be heard clearly.
John 4:13–14 (NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”
This living water is later explained as referring to the Holy Spirit:
John 7:38–39 (ESV)
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive…”
When a person allows the Holy Spirit to fill their life through obedience, prayer, worship, holiness, and separation from sin that person is increasing the waters within.
And where there is an abundance of water, the voice of God becomes clearer, more frequent, and more powerful like thunder.
But the reverse is also true:
As you do these things, you increase the living waters within, and God’s voice will not only become clear but also powerful in your life.
May the Lord fill your heart with the waters of His Spirit. May His voice thunder within you. May you never lack divine direction again. Increase your waters let the Lord speak.
God bless you.
Hosea 10:12 (ESV)
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”
We are living in a season where seeking God cannot be superficial. The Word of God compares us to farmers sowers with the intent to harvest what we plant.
But no wise farmer simply throws seeds on hard, unbroken ground and expects a fruitful harvest. A true farmer, especially one planting grain, will take a strong plow and dig deep into the soil. Sweat pours from his brow as he works hard to break the ground even if it is dry, rocky, or tough so that the seeds can take root and produce fruit.
This is exactly what God is calling us to do:
“Break up the fallow ground of your hearts, for it is time to seek the Lord.”
To seek the Lord is to dig deep.
That means:
This is the kind of spiritual digging God desires where we put in effort, time, and sacrifice.
When we choose to live a shallow Christian life, we suffer great loss. Superficial soil allows the birds (Satan) to steal the Word before it can take root (see Matthew 13:4, 19).
Matthew 13:19 (ESV) “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”
If your spiritual life is shallow, your seed will be stolen. You will miss out on fruitfulness, intimacy with God, and the strength to endure trials.
Understand this: Jesus is coming back soon. Have you truly gone deep in Him? Are you earnestly seeking Him with all your heart? Are you spiritually prepared for His return?
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Revelation 19:7 (ESV) “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”
No one will casually enter Heaven. It is a prepared place for a prepared people.
Get the plow of prayer. Dig with the shovel of the Word. Saturate the soil with worship and obedience. Now is the time to seek the Lord before it’s too late.
Isaiah 55:6 (ESV) “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
May the grace of the Lord cover you and empower you to dig deep.
Let us begin by looking at the Scriptures, starting from Jeremiah 20:14–17:
Jeremiah 20:14-17 (ESV)14 “Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed!15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, ‘A son is born to you,’ making him very glad.16 Let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew without pity; let him hear a cry in the morning and an alarm at noon,17 because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great.”
Here, we see that Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the intense suffering and persecution he faced as a prophet of the Lord. He had been beaten, imprisoned, mocked, and hunted simply for speaking God’s word.
See also: Jeremiah 20:1–2 Pashhur beats and imprisons him. Jeremiah 37:15–16 He is beaten and imprisoned again. Jeremiah 38:6 He is thrown into a cistern. Jeremiah 15:5 He laments being rejected and abandoned.
See also:
Jeremiah 20:1–2 Pashhur beats and imprisons him.
Jeremiah 37:15–16 He is beaten and imprisoned again.
Jeremiah 38:6 He is thrown into a cistern.
Jeremiah 15:5 He laments being rejected and abandoned.
In Jeremiah 20:18, he concludes with this lament:
“Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:18, ESV)
So, his cursing of the day he was born came from a deep place of emotional anguish, spiritual exhaustion, and human weakness.
The prophet Job also cursed the day of his birth in a similar state of despair:
Job 3:1–6 (NIV)1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.3 “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’4 That day may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.5 May gloom and utter darkness claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm it.6 That night may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months.”
Like Jeremiah, Job’s pain was beyond comprehension he had lost his children, his wealth, his health, and even the support of his wife and friends.
The answer is NO it was not right. While understandable as a human reaction, cursing the day of one’s birth is not in alignment with faith, trust, or reverence toward God’s sovereignty.
Jeremiah and Job were not expressing theological truths but emotional reactions. They were speaking from the depth of their despair, not from a place of divine insight. That’s why we see Job later repent for his words:
Job 42:3–6 (ESV)3 “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
This shows that Job recognized his words were out of ignorance and pain, and he humbled himself before God. Likewise, Jeremiah later acknowledges his doubts and frustrations and is corrected by God:
Jeremiah 15:18–19 (NIV)“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.”19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me…”
Both Job and Jeremiah were godly men, yet they faced unimaginable suffering. Their pain led them to say things they later regretted but their honesty in expressing their struggles also gives us permission to bring our emotions before God.
Still, we must not curse our lives, our days of birth, or the people who gave us life. That is a reaction of despair, not of faith. Even Jesus warned us that suffering is part of the journey for His followers:
Matthew 10:16–18 (NIV)16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.”
Suffering is not a sign of rejection by God, but often a part of the refining process. We are reminded in James 1:2–4 that trials build our faith and character:
James 1:2–4 (ESV)“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
It is not right to curse the day of our birth or to speak evil over ourselves, our parents, or our existence even in great suffering.
Instead, we should:
Acknowledge our pain honestly before God.
Trust His greater plan, even when we don’t understand.
Pray for strength to endure and remain faithful.
Avoid complaining or cursing, which is fruitless (see Philippians 2:14).
Philippians 2:14–15 (NIV)“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Let us learn from Job and Jeremiah, not just their weaknesses, but their eventual restoration and repentance. Their stories serve as a lesson for us that suffering does not mean abandonment, and faith is often forged in the fire of trials.
May the Lord help us to stand firm in faith, even in times of great distress. Amen.
The author of the book known as Song of Songs (also called Song of Solomon) is Solomon, the son of David, as indicated in the very first verse of the book:
“The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.” Song of Songs 1:1 (ESV)
King Solomon was divinely gifted with great wisdom and understanding. Scripture records that he composed a vast number of proverbs and songs:
“He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.” 1 Kings 4:32 (ESV)
Among all the songs Solomon wrote, this particular one was considered the best thus its title, “The Song of Songs” (i.e., the greatest song). This phrase follows a Hebrew superlative pattern, much like the expressions:
Such expressions are used to emphasize supremacy or excellence. Therefore, just as the “King of kings” is the highest of all kings, the “Song of Songs” is the finest among songs.
This book stands as one of Solomon’s most profound writings, carrying deep wisdom inspired by God. On the surface, it is a poetic dialogue exploring the love between a bride and her bridegroom, filled with vivid imagery, passion, and devotion.
However, throughout church history, theologians have also recognized that this book symbolizes the spiritual relationship between Christ and the Church between the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Bride (believers).
This aligns with New Testament themes, such as:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7 (ESV)
So while The Song of Songs is a celebration of romantic love in marriage, it also foreshadows the divine love Christ has for His people a covenant love that is eternal, faithful, and intimate.
To explore more in depth insights into this book, including its connection to other wisdom books of Solomon, click here: 📖 BIBLE BOOKS SERIES: Part 11 (Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes)
You may also explore the following thematic lessons found within this rich and poetic book:
Song of Songs 2:7
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem… that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
This speaks to the importance of waiting for the right time for love a call to patience, purity, and honoring God’s timing in relationships.
Love requires a heart that is ready and willing. Delays in vulnerability or holding back emotionally can hinder the beauty of genuine connection, both in human relationships and in our walk with Christ.
Just as nature changes, so do the seasons of love. Understanding that love can grow, be tested, and mature helps believers navigate the dynamics of marriage and faith alike.
“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.” Song of Songs 2:11
The love of Christ is not based on emotion alone it is a covenant. This book reflects that sacred commitment, reminding us that Jesus’s love for us is unwavering and sacrificial.
“Set me as a seal upon your heart… for love is strong as death.” Song of Songs 8:6
May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand the depth of His love through this sacred book of Scripture. May your heart be awakened to the intimacy, faithfulness, and beauty of Christ’s covenant with His people.
WhatsApp
When Isaac arrived in a place called Gerar, he remembered the wells that his father Abraham had dug in earlier times. But when he looked for them, he found they had been stopped up and destroyed. Isaac did not give up he began the work of digging the wells again.
When he reopened the first well, and water came out, the local herders quarreled with his men. So Isaac named it Esek, meaning dispute.
He moved on and dug another well and again, it was contested. He called it Sitnah, meaning opposition or hostility.
Still, Isaac did not quit. He went further and dug a third well. This time, no one quarreled over it. So he named it Rehoboth, saying:
“Now the LORD has given us room, and we will flourish in the land.” (Genesis 26:22, NIV)
[18] And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. [19] But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, [20] the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. [21] Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. [22] And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
When you gave your life to Christ, Jesus Himself planted a well of living water inside of you. This well not only gives eternal life, but also refreshes, restores, and empowers your journey here on earth.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38 (NIV)
And again:
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (NIV)
The devil works relentlessly to clog your well to make your spirit dry, lifeless, and fruitless. You may start noticing:
These are signs: the well has been covered.
But here is the hope: The water is still there. All you need to do is dig again.
Even if you’ve backslidden and feel beyond forgiveness, God still calls you back. You might think your purpose is lost but the well can be uncovered again. The vision you had, the calling, the fire it can all return, stronger than before.
Just as Isaac dug again despite resistance, you too must press forward. Don’t stop at the first or second disappointment deep digging until you reach your Rehoboth your place of peace, rest, and fruitfulness.
The enemy does not want your well to flow because he knows once it does, your life will be fruitful, powerful, and impactful. But God desires that your well never runs dry.
Like Isaac, don’t give up at Esek or Sitnah. Keep going Rehoboth is waiting.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
If someone were to ask you, “What does it mean to be successful?” most people would probably answer:
“To have a good job, a decent income, and good health.” That’s a simple and understandable answer in the natural sense.
But let’s now consider a deeper question in the spiritual realm:
What is eternal life?
The Bible gives us a very clear and direct answer.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
So eternal life is found in knowing God and Jesus Christ. This is not mere intellectual knowledge it is relational, spiritual, and transformative.
Now, some people wonder: Is God different from Jesus? The answer is No. There is One God who reveals Himself in different manifestations not different gods or separate beings.
Here’s an illustration: Someone can see you in person (live), or they can see your photo. Your photo and your physical presence are not two different people they’re different manifestations of the same person.
Similarly, Jesus is the full image of the invisible God. When we see Jesus, we are seeing God in His fullness.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
“If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
So we understand that to know Jesus is to know the Father because Jesus is the manifestation of God in the flesh.
Jesus is not simply a prophet or a messenger He is God incarnate. To reject Jesus is to reject God. You cannot claim to know God while denying Jesus.
It’s like someone saying they know you, but they reject your photo they’re calling you a liar, because your photo is an expression of who you are.
In the same way:
“Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.”
If you deny Jesus, you’re denying the very testimony of God Himself.
“They said to him therefore, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’”
So today, eternal life is found in Jesus alone not in religion, not in good works, not in any other prophet or teacher. Jesus alone is the way to the Father.
Don’t try to know God outside of Christ it is a waste of time. Don’t try to serve God outside of Christ it is futile. Don’t seek eternal life apart from Jesus you’ll end up losing both your time and your soul.
If someone be it a prophet, an apostle, a pastor, or even a priest teaches that there is another way to Heaven apart from Jesus, run away from them!
If anyone claims there are others who can perform the same work as Jesus whether saints, angels, or mystics reject that teaching immediately!
Jesus has no twin, no backup, no alternate route to God. Some say, “Through saint so and so, we can get to God.” But the truth is: Only Jesus reveals God.
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
So unless we believe in Jesus as God manifest in the flesh, we do not have eternal life no matter how many good deeds we perform. Once you’ve heard the truth of who Jesus is and still reject Him, you are choosing spiritual death.
So I ask you:
Do you have eternal life? Have you believed in Jesus Christ? Are you doing what He says?
Jesus warned:
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
That is the path to eternal life.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
Isaiah 30:21 (KJV): “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
As children of God, we all face moments when we must make decisions some we consider right, others we later realize were wrong. Sometimes we take the path to the right, and other times to the left. But regardless of the direction, we are all in desperate need of God’s guidance.
Many believers assume that when they make a “right” decision, they are automatically on God’s path, and when they make a “wrong” one, they are lost. However, the truth is more profound: Even in our seemingly right decisions, we still need God’s direction. Success in itself is not confirmation that we are walking in God’s will.
Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that whether we turn to the right or to the left, the voice of the Lord will still speak to us, saying: “This is the way; walk in it.”
Sadly, many of us only cry out to God when things are going wrong during hard times, regrets, loss, sickness, or seasons of spiritual drought (what this message refers to as the “left hand path”).
But how few seek God’s guidance when things are going well during seasons of success, promotion, health, abundance, and peace (the “right hand path”)!
We often mistake prosperity for God’s approval. But prosperity is not proof of alignment with God’s will. There are people who appear to have it all together: wealth, stable marriages, intelligence, hard work, and influence. Yet, some of them do not seek God. Their lives seem right in every human sense but without God’s voice leading them, they may still be heading toward destruction.
Proverbs 16:25 (KJV): “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
This verse warns us that not everything that appears right is truly right in God’s eyes. Success without divine direction is dangerous. It can lead to pride, complacency, or eternal loss.
Jesus gave a powerful parable about this in Luke 12:
Luke 12:16–21 (ESV):
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
The man made a wise economic decision he saved and expanded but he failed spiritually. Why? Because he didn’t seek God’s guidance, nor did he consider the eternal consequences.
Every morning when you rise, start the day with the Lord. The devil, like a roaring lion, seeks someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Do not assume that just because things are going well, you don’t need God.
Whatever your status pastor, prophet, president, or billionaire you must humble yourself before God. It is not about your title or achievements but your dependence on His direction.
God speaks in many ways:
The key is to be a person of prayer and humility, constantly seeking His voice. He will not let you go astray.
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”
Don’t only seek God in trouble. Seek Him in triumph. In every decision big or small call upon the Lord and ask: “Lord, is this Your way?”
And He, the faithful Shepherd, will lead you in paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3).
Walk in His ways not just when the road is rough, but even when the path seems smooth.
QUESTION:
The Scriptures say:
“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me” (Psalm 31:1, ESV).
What shame is the Psalmist asking to be spared from? And why do we sometimes still experience shame or disgrace, even though we have taken refuge in God?
This cry for help appears throughout the Psalms in various forms. It is a deep, emotional appeal to God for protection not only from physical enemies but also from the ultimate shame: the failure of God’s promises, or being forsaken after putting one’s trust in Him.
Consider these supporting verses:
Psalm 31:1 “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.” Psalm 25:20 “Guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” Psalm 71:1 “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!” Psalm 22:5 “To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”
These verses reflect the heartfelt dependence of David, who was often surrounded by enemies and found himself in vulnerable positions. His honor, his calling, and even his very life were at stake. If God failed to act, David would be publicly humiliated, and worse people would question the faithfulness of God’s promises.
David was not just an ordinary believer; he was someone anointed by God, with promises made over his life including the promise that his throne would be established forever (see 2 Samuel 7:16). Yet, during trials and delays in his kingship, it looked like these promises would never be fulfilled. That’s why he pleads with God not to let him be put to shame.
This is captured beautifully in:
Psalm 89:49-52 (ESV) “Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David? Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, with which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed. Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.”
Here, the Psalmist shows that the greatest “shame” would be the failure of God’s covenant, and the mocking of God’s servant by enemies.
In the New Testament, we see a clearer picture of the ultimate shame that believers ask to be spared from eternal separation from God. This is the shame of being rejected by God at the final judgment.
2 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV) “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
The eternal shame is not just ridicule in this life, but hearing Jesus say:
Matthew 7:23 (ESV) “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
This is echoed in the sobering words of Jesus in:
Matthew 25:31-34, 41 (ESV) “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
Matthew 25:31-34, 41 (ESV) “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
This is the eternal shame to be banished from the presence of God, and to miss out on the eternal glory promised to His people.
It is important to understand that as children of God, we may go through moments of public shame, rejection, or persecution for the sake of Christ. This is part of the Christian journey. But God will never allow those who trust in Him to be ultimately disgraced.
Romans 10:11 (NIV) “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.'”1 Peter 4:16 (ESV) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Romans 10:11 (NIV) “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.'”1 Peter 4:16 (ESV)
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Better to endure temporary earthly shame now for following Christ, than to experience eternal shame by rejecting Him.
So when David prayed, “Let me never be put to shame,” he was not only thinking of earthly humiliation, but the deeper desire that God would uphold His promises both in this life and in eternity. The same is true for us today. We look to God in faith, trusting Him not only to rescue us from present trouble, but also to spare us from eternal shame and bring us into His everlasting glory.
May the Lord help us. Let us choose momentary shame for Christ now, over eternal shame at His judgment.
“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:5 (ESV)