Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5.

 

“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;

 

² and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men;  for not all have faith.

 

³ But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

 

⁴ We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.

 

⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 3:1-5.

 

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There are so many people and things that try to draw our attention away from the Lord.  Today’s Scripture mentions “perverse and evil men”.  But, there can also be financial troubles, health afflictions, family problems, job stresses;  the list goes on and on.

 

“But the Lord is faithful“.  Verse 3.  Through God’s grace, we read Scripture and meditate on the Lord and His faithfulness. 

 

First, generally, the problems seem smaller when we view and meditate upon such a big God.  “You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”  Deuteronomy 7:21

Second, there are specific promises.  Regarding the specific threat of “perverse and evil men”, there is the specific promise:  “He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”  Verse 3.  Regarding the specific trouble of financial needs, there is the specific promise:  “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19  And, there are so many other specific promises throughout Scripture. 

 

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4. 

 

Third, and while we wait for deliverance, we can pray, and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7. 

 

Fourth, the love of God and Christ’s steadfastness covers everything.  Verse 5.  Regardless of our flighty focus in trying to keep our eyes on God, regardless of our lack of diligence in discovering the specific promises of God and lack of faith believing them, and regardless of our lack of prayer, God loves us and elects to cause all things to work together for our good, and Christ will steadfastly accomplish all of God’s purpose for us.