2 Corinthians 4; Psalm 37:10-40

2 Corinthians 4
Paul says that since God in His mercy has given us this new way--that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ who gives us salvation through His grace when we trust Him--we never give up. We tell the truth without distortions. This Good News is hidden because Satan has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They can't see the glorious light of the Good News or understand its message. vv.1-6 This does not mean that people can't repent and be saved. We see in v. 15-16 "And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up."

We have God's great light within our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our power is from God, not from ourselves. v. 7

Paul admits that many troubles come his way as they do ours, but he is not defeated or destroyed!. vv.8-10  He was glad to suffer because it resulted in salvation for the people in the church at Corinth. vv. 11-12

Paul encourages us in the last verses of this chapter. "Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." Our present troubles are small and temporary. Our job is to look beyond the struggles of this world and focus on God--doing His will and looking forward to eternity with Him.

Psalm 37:10-40
Throughout this psalm, we see many contrasts between the godly and the wicked, and the difference is pretty dramatic.

I will pick out a few nuggets of wisdom from these verses:

• "It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich." God will take care of His children even in hard times. David said he had been young, and now he's old, and he's never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. vv. 16-19, 25
• "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." vv. 23-24
• "Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever." v. 27
• "The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.. They have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from his path." vv. 30-31 
• "Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path." v. 34
• God is our fortress in times of trouble, and we find shelter in Him. vv. 39-40

Sometimes our troubles are private, personal and close to home. Other troubles might be on a global scale as we see the violence from the terrorists. I think this psalm makes it abundantly clear that the future of these violent, wicked and ruthless people is destruction. vv. 35-36 I believe we should pray that they will turn from their sin and false gods and be saved. We should take reasonable steps to protect ourselves and our families, but we should not be consumed with fear, dread, or anger. We know God's in control, and we know how it will all end!