Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Why is There So Much Calamity in the World?



The answer is found, in addition to other places in Scripture, in the following passages:

“An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked;
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.
The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
Even on his bed he plots evil;
he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.” Psalm 36:1-4

“He went on: ‘What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” Mark 7:20-23

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”1 Corinthians 1:20

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’, and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’” 1 Corinthians 2:19-20


What is a Christian to do in the Midst of Calamity?

“Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away." Psalm 37:1-2

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
Do not fret—it only leads to evil.
For evil men will be cut off...” Psalm 37:8-9a

"Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.” Psalm 37:16-17

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.” Psalm 37:39-40

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.’” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
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“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:19-21


Pray—in a sincere desire to obey God, and in all courage and humility to fully accept His unwavering estimation of our heart condition:

“The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19: 9-11

"Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.” Psalm 19:12-13a

“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10




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