Day 296: Righteousness That Flourishes

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 92:12-15

Central Thought: God has promised the righteous a flourishing life.

The before-and-after pictures were amazing. Twenty years ago the valley contained nothing but brush, shrubs, and dust. Now, thanks to irrigation, the valley is filled with abundant agriculture. Families now raise cash crops in what formerly had been desolate wasteland.

Psalm 92 contrasts the evildoers and the righteous. Evildoers may seem to be doing well for a time, but they wind up experiencing desolation and ruin. The righteous, however, experience lasting blessing, even though at times they may experience temporary difficulties. This passage compares the flourishing nature of the righteous to that of a palm tree and the cedars of Lebanon. They are said to ‘stay fresh and green” (verse 14, NIV). God promises also that they will continually flourish in His courts.

When we compare the blessings of serving God with the trials of serving self, we realize that the righteous have a far better experience. Our biggest challenge is looking past the temporary blessing of the wicked and the temporary struggles of the righteous. Once we gain a better perspective of God’s promises, we can serve God with a renewed joy. We should keep our focus on Him as we go through life.

Devotional Prayer: Please remind me of Your promises to the righteous.

Today’s Bible Reading: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5