My little brother just graduated from law school, which officially gives him the right to win all future family arguments. He’s the justice guy. We even played a board game once during a family dinner gathering called I Dissent: A Game of Supreme Opinions that features a gavel on the box cover and cards with controversial topics like “eighties music or nineties music?”. I’ll admit, it was a fun and rousing night since everyone in our family has a supreme opinion about something. Each of us fought to verbally defend our positions or exercise our authority when we got the card that secured us the title of chief justice.
My brother has a strong sense of right and wrong, but it stems from a biblical view of justice. He will fight for what he believes in but also has the gift of compassion and understanding—which do not always come in the same pairing. I admire him for this. Of course, we’re all human. We all fall prey to arguments that further self-interest or show how “right” we are. This is an unmistakable quality of our sin-wrought human condition. But, as believers, we are called to more. Christ models what it looks like to walk in justice and follow the commands of a just God.
We know that God is just; He is for justice. The stories, law, Wisdom literature, and prophecies throughout both the Old and New Testaments are absolutely saturated with it. Numbers 14:18 tells us, “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, forgiving iniquity and rebellion. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
The fact that we serve a God who embodies both mercy and justice is one of the reasons why we worship Him. It can feel good to have judicial control, especially in ornery board games with our family. And it’s important to remember that, even as we try to live with a heart for justice, God is ultimately the One who judges. He has the final say. He is the only One who sees all and knows all and, thus, can judge well. This is why we don’t have to fear those who do evil and can find rest in Him.
As we seek to live as Christ in this way, let’s remember Paul’s counsel in his letter to the Philippians: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
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85 thoughts on "For He Is Just"
Amen! I’m so grateful for this lesson plan
Absolutely, He can. What I know of God is that he moves in far bigger ways than the plans we make/our choices etc. Of course what we choose holds weight and matters- but God never holds himself back from us. There’s no choice we could make that would prevent him from Loving us fully- every time.
Thank you Lord that you are just and merciful. Thank you that you keep your promises. Father, let me not miss your faithfulness and promises over my life.
I am in a place where I finding seeking out the Lord SO DIFFICULT. I remember hearing his voice and it is gone. I struggle to pray and don’t know what to say. I’m anxious about EVERYTHING and taking it all on my own shoulders. I know he led me to where I am, but know all I feel is struggle and loneliness here. So I woke up today with the intent of spending my first minutes with him to give to him first, not last. I just hope the steps I keep taking make my heart follow.
I wonder sometimes if I made the safe choice between two jobs, as the Israelites wanted to do when they heard about the horrors in their new land, when God could’ve been calling me into more. If I am now in this position and I can’t back out, can God still redeem it and fill me with purpose?
With the state of our current world, this is a very timely reminder of God’s sovereignty.
Seek the Lord, and when you wake up in the middle of the night afraid, call on the name above all names! The name that calms the sea! Call on Jesus who is our Peace! I pray He gives you His peace not as the world gives but the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I will place all my trust in the Lord, leaning and depending on him ❤️
Hi Nathalie. In my experience, as many times as fears pop up in your mind, that many times you go to God’s promises.Keep many of them posted at different places. And trust for He is faithful.
I wriggle with anxiety and this devotional has been really helping me day to day. I’m thankful that we serve a God who is the great I Am and is our protector.
I just woke up from a dream it and I was….am afraid. This whole study is to not have fear and to overcome. But I am struggling with this. I like the studies but then at the end my fears come back. How do they go away?
♥️ my Lord he has it
Wait how did he change his mind? I was a little surprised too it seemed like Moses was arguing with him. I had a difficult time interpreting this.
Needed this. Praying for you
This was perfect for me today! ❤️
Blessed to have peace through him
Praying for you.
We serve a Just God
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i totally understand you. I have so many fears that they paralyze me. yet I hope God is always in control even through my panic. Trusting him sometimes mean falling and waiting for him to pick us up.
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We serve risen savior
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Amen!!!
Just said a prayer for you, Lilly!
❤️ resonating
Praying for your family, Lilly!
Amen. He is the leader of all things and will protect us. ❤️
love this message! if anyone sees this comment by chance my family could really use some prayers right now❤️
Amen! He is my rock! Only through Him do I have peace!
Amen.
There’s been family conflict this past weekend, yet again. It rocks my soul & stirs up my anxiety. I want to run. I want peace. This devotional & scripture is so timely. Praying, laying it down for the Lord God to be our Judge, that’s what I’m called to do. . . I will trust in His steadfast love & justice.
When God asks Moses, “How long will they not believe me”, this is what God asks me when I don’t trust or I’m filled with doubt.
I love how we do not have to fear if justice will be served- HE is the ultimate judge!!! We can trust that he will make all things right!!!!
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The Israelites refused to enter the land based of the exaggeration of lies from the spies, how many times have I done the same when veering off the path God has for me because I believed the lies of the devil instead? God’s grace is SO good.
I actually think you came off very clear!
Yes, that’s what I got from it too !!! Amen
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I relate to this! I also think it was due to my upbringing and the church I grew up in. You’re not alone!
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These passages seem so similar to my own story right now. We’re about to move across the country to someplace I’ve never been. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things from people who have dreamed to go there. Yet I am so hesitant to be excited. The fear of this completely new place has clouded all the amazing things I’ve heard about it. It shows me how I can demonstrate and try to cultivate more faith. Thank God we have so many examples of good and bad to learn from!
I was struck by the truth that God is righteous and just. He is both sides of the same coin. I think for so long I have focused on God as a disciplinarian who I must walk quietly by to not be noticed and squished. (I think my upbringing caused this.) I’m learning that God can be trusted and that He has the best in mind for me, that I don’t have to perform in order to be loved. Thank you God, for showing me your true spirit.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. His peace will guard our hearts and mind. Pray/talk to God daily!!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. His peace will guard our hearts and mind.
Thank you for all the comments, sharing and encouragement. I feel blessed by all my sisters in Christ and seeing many of us feel the same way and we are strengthening each other’s faith and trust in God! God bless you ALL!
Amen ❤️
Terri Richmond, I feel the same way.
This passage just showed me that even though a blessing is promised ( may it be land/a portion/ fill in the blank with your version), this story clearly shows you STILL have to fight to get it, you still have to advance through faith to acquire it with objections that look like giants. That “promised land” won’t just automatically fall into our lap (at least from this account here). Another glimpse that I see was the conflicts between the leaders and the people of GOD, to show in crisis, how ruthless the people could get (they were about to stone Moses and Aaron to death, Numbers 14:10). The way Moses interceded was just amazing, just like a lawyer pleading and pleading, showing such a pure heart that a leader of God needs to have. Personally in our family, I experienced this, since my husband is not strong in his faith walk, I feel very lonely in carrying out God’s will, and conflicts often occur. Sometimes I pray for a certain situation, and the Lord would give out visions and course directions, but convincing my husband to cooperate is just like the story here. He doesn’t hear from God directly and assume I can easily make a mistake and tends to object. This passage really convicts me that though facing harsh objection, or even persecution from the people that you’re trying to lead to the “promised land”, I need to have a heart of Moses to still be passionate and long suffering toward those whom I pray for.
Good evening sisters!
Numbers 14: 3-4, when the people wanted to give up on trying to find the land that God had promise to them is, sadly, eerily similar to how most of us have given up the promise that God has for us because we think that He is going to led us into something we can’t handle. God will NEVER give us anything we can’t handle.. and we can’t have a great relationship with God if we don’t trust Him with everything. Whether we want to or not, we have to trust God.
Well, goodnight dear sisters!! I pray that we can let God in our lives everyday. He is amazing!
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 our promise
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Amen
Hi Terilynn, The Israelites were being led by God Himself to go up and take the land promised by God to Abraham 400 years earlier. Moses sent spies in for reconnaissance. Most of the spies came back acknowledging the land was good, but advising against entering the land. They were directly rebelling against God’s instruction, and choosing to reject faith that God would give them victory in the land He promised them. They chose to not believe God, and believe their own fears instead. They also led the nation of Israel in rebellion against Moses, God’s servant, and against the two spies who believed God (Joshua and Caleb), to the point of wanting to murder them. A beautiful counterpoint to this rebellion is the intercession by Moses in prayer to God, asking His forgiveness for this sinful and rebellious mob. God responds with both judgment and mercy. If you read further in Exodus and Joshua, you will see that the rebellious adults died off over 40 more years in the wilderness, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, whose life and strength for battle were miraculously preserved, and entered with the now-grown children of the rebellious generation into the promised land.
I know that I too make the obstacles in my life seem bigger than my God. I don’t know why the throngs of this world can sometimes seem bigger than our God. Maybe because I am more focused on obstacles than my Jesus. I pray I would fix my eyes on you my God and let all other things pass away.
Phil4:6-7 is one of my favorites. When I find myself getting upset, worried, anxious I hold this verse close. “Do not be anxious about anything”, he says, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your request to God” . That reminds me to re-evaluate the circumstances and find something to be thankful for. “Then the peace of God…..will guard my heart and my mind..”
We may see “giants”…and we know what & who & when & where they exist…but our God says…”I got this”. Thanks Rachel for your suggestion, to substitute my own name in brackets regarding Numbers 14: 11, “The Lord said to Moses, how long will [Gwen] despise me? How long will [she] not trust in me despite all the signs I have performed [before her]? So many Shes made powerful comments to ponder throughout my day. I listen & love along side you. Please, my Lord, help me to erase my fears & embrace Your favor. Ease my yoke., sweet Jesus. Thanks be to God.
Thank you for all the prayers ladies. <3
I have decided to memorize Matthew 6:25-34. The passage came to my heart last night as I was discussing my worries with my brother and his girlfriend, who I was doing a Bible study with. Also the song, "Everything" by Lauren Daigle which is written from these verses my brother's girlfriend mentioned.
That was a peace to my heart.
I know the Lord was speaking when I was reading Peter's story, "Why do you doubt, O you of little faith?" It is not condemnation but just a reminder to replace doubt with God's word.
As I read the Scriptures today, I recognize that when fearful leaders govern a nation (Israel's spies fearful of the promised land's people) then the whole nation mourns.
Amen Sheryl Gunderson. Thanking our Lord for each and every blessing.
Caleb and Joshua kept their focus on the truth of their God. God said they were to go in and possess the land. He had promised the land was theirs. What obstacle could possibly hinder their God? However big the obstacles might seem, their God was bigger. Nothing to fear here, folks. It’s so easy to magnify obstacles, to forget the might and power of God. Strengthen my faith, Lord. Enlarge my vision of You. Replace fear and hesitancy with confidence and courage. Amen.
Amen Angie!! This story has a special place in my heart, is never heard it before May of last year but last May after recovering from a miscarriage and looking at starting IVF with not so great numbers I heard this story about three or four times in the weeks leading up to the stimulation and I decided that God was bigger than any of the obstacles facing me in this process. It was a decision I’d never made before, I knew God was powerful but before then I honestly did not think He cared to intervene too much in my life. But I felt strongly that motherhood was something He had for me, my “promised land” so to speak and I prayed to be like Caleb with a “different spirit”. I’ve clung to the lesson I learned by reading about the Israelites and my own experience ever since. I pray we all see and remember the times when God did miracles in our lives and never forget, like the Deuteronomy study taught us last year. GramsieSue still praying for you and Steve, thank you for sharing how you and your family are doing.
So much conviction here this morning! How often do I add a “however” or a “but” to a promise/command God has given me? (I am using the word “promise” carefully, as I think we sometimes assume the things we want are a certainty when they are not promised in scripture). God DID promise the land to Israel. He assured them of His presence and their provision in the land. But the cities were fortified and the men were large. And so they despised the word of the Lord. UGH. My fear, my failure to take God at His word, is no different. I could insert my name in the verse: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will {Rachel} despise me? How long will {she} not trust in me despite all the signs I have performed among {her}?'” My fear is sin against God and freedom can only come when I acknowledge it as such, repent and turn from it. Simple but not easy. Praying for myself and each of you as we let the word of God do its work in us, even if it’s uncomfortable/painful. There is such joy and freedom that is ours for the taking!
TAYLOR…speaking of being ours for the taking: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 You have been given a way of escape! Choose it, sister! xo
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
This world is full of chaos and fears that attempt to harbor us. Thankfully, we know where true peace is found. Let’s all cling to the hope we have in God so that nothing can overtake us.
Angie, thank you for that beautiful prayer! Prayers lifted for all. Have a great weekend.
Thanks, I needed this today.
Such good words. Especially as I ponder my position
Wow. Great commentary and so appropriate today as we experience so much division. The bottom line for me is giving the judgement to God. I find when I try to do that part I am consumed by the evil of this word as if I sink into a bog. Or its like “ swallowing the poison pill, expecting the other person to die”.For a child if God love God, obey his commandments and his commandments are not burdensome.
Thanks for sharing the lyrics and story behind the hymn. I never knew their was more of a verse. I have learned the chorus in BSF working in the children’s ministry.
So many good insights today! Good Word @JenniferJovesJesus!
@SaraJoy–Thank you for reminding me of the hymn! I have an ongoing List on youtube of old hymnals I love, and I had forgotten that one! @Searching–Trust and Obey I have on there, one of my favorites too!
I finally got to begin a women’s bible study with my new church yesterday! We are doing the Pricilla Shriver’s “Armor of God!” which I know many of you have done! It is already amazing, and I “happen” to sit with an amazing group of women to specifically bond with! It’s funny I have thought often, that we SHE”S probably find it easier to share here on SRT because we don’t KNOW each other in person, so we are more open to being vulnerable. Behind a screen, we can be more invisible. Well, I’m praying that with this group of women, that will see me in church and the real world- that I can also be truthful and vulnerable, and in turn be there for them as they are. I encourage us all to do that in our life. We want to be strong and full of pride, but we must also be humble. I hope to learn more to wear the armor of God, but to let him be in charge of the justice and punishment, and only swing my sword IN His leading, in prayer and humbleness. God has such BIG things for us and our lives—the promise land, but we must go forth in his guidance and power. “Walking Free” Micah Tyler.
Loved all the comments today! I want to obey the Lord in this situation I’m facing but I am also weak and prone to wander/choose my own desires over God’s. I found comfort in someone’s comment who mentioned the Lord will fight for me. I pray the Lord will take over this battle I face and give me the strength to obey Him over being obedient to myself. May it be so Lord! <3
I loved the conversation about her brother the lawyer. I am in a position where often my word is final. I’ve striven to uphold the Justice and fairness balance . Justice and wisdom. I often feel gratitude that ultimately it’s God s not mine that needs to be done. When I’m in control it can get very scary
The promised land lost its lustre in the face of giants. Fear took them from faith to folding. They forgot that God would fight for them. In their freedom, they wanted to return to slavery more than trust in the God who showed them again and again how He is faithful to care for them. How quickly we forget His goodness. And yet, He is so very compassionate towards His people in His loyal love. His anger is slow, pacing with our hearts when we are afraid. Fearing God will follow with abundance of care, fearing the giants over God will bring delayed promises. Father God, help me remember your faithfulness when fear threatens to thwart your plan for my life. Help me to take the land you promise will be fruitful. Even with the giants I must overcome. Help me remember that peace comes not from the answer to my prayers, but rather Your peace comes WHEN I pray, WHEN I petition, WHEN I turn my heart to YOU. Trusting You gives me peace that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I trust You LORD. Eyes on Jesus. Heart to You. Hear my cries and grant me Your peace that surpasses ALL understanding. Amen.
SARAHJOY— I love this hymn and the person you mentioned always makes me teary eye. Interestingly, while I don’t remember the entire verse from memory, this part I do.
LEXI, thank you so much for your prayers! And MICHELLE- please know that you are on my mind and in my prayers.
I struggle with obedience. As a Type A, control freak perfectionist, I try to figure everything out and plan everything about the future. I’ve really been trying to work on giving it all to God. He wants me to! And He knows wayyyyy better than I do how to make my life one of purpose and worship and praise. It’s really freeing to remember and live by the knowledge that God has it all under control. And it is very good!
Dear Lord, I pray for all of us sisters in Christ that we could lay down our pride and control to You. You teach us again and again that we can and need to trust You, and that You are looking out for our best interests. Let us all lay our anxieties down before You and live allowing You to make our paths straight. I pray that our faith would be strengthened and our hearts be in line with Your will for our lives. In Jesus’s precious name I pray, Amen.
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Amen ❤️❤️
Father God, please give us Your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus name, Amen
This story of the Israelites in the dessert is such a humbling reminder that even those who saw God’s powerful signs rebelled. Dear God, draw my heart to YOUR TRUTH. Keep my heart tied to You. Remind me of how You have shown Yourself faithful over and over. You are trustworthy and wise. Worthy of my life and love.
Made me think of a section from “Come Thou Fount.”
Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be
Let Thy grace now like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh, take it seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
I wonder how many times I overlook Gods goodness when things aren’t going my way. I begin to live in doubt and worry instead of truth and trust. Praying for a focus on gratitude for all God sees and does regardless of the season.
Kelly thank you for your insight here . It puts today’s reading in perspective and brings a greater level of understanding-
Yesterday’s and today’s readings brought to mind the hymn, Trust and Obey, written in the late 1800’s. I could only remember the chorus and looked up the remainder of the lyrics, and am posting the 1st verse and chorus below. The background info said the idea for the hymn started during a Moody revival – “One night a young man rose in a testimony meeting and said, ‘I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.’”
Are we ever “quite sure” about anything apart from God’s love, Word, power, might, majesty, presence, strength, promises, wisdom … ?
Praying for GRAMSIESUE, LYNNE FROM AL, MARTHA HIX, TRACI GENDRON and others.
Praying for and thinking about you FOSTER MAMA, ERB and TINA.
Also praying for JANE QUIG, JILLIAN LEE, MELANIE!
CHURCHMOUSE – His grip is firm. I needed to be reminded of that, thank you.
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for healing, smooth running car, energy and strength. It may not affect you but wanted to mention that the EITC was expanded for 2021 and could possibly result in a tax credit if you are within the limits. Worth checking out if you haven’t already. And instacart work, be sure to log your mileage and any related out of pocket costs so you’ll have it for your 2022 tax preparation.
LORI LACKEY – I flew right past the other little boats and never gave a thought that they benefitted from the calming of the storm as well. So true about the far reaching effects of our prayers and faith.
1 When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Whenever I get angry about how someone has treated me or a situation that isn’t going according to plan, I remember that we aren’t meant to hold onto anger like this. I prayed once about how to handle the situation as a Woman of God and He simply said, “it’s not yours to handle. Give it to me.” And it was one of the most freeing moments of my life.
Some decisions are easy. Others take a little more time. Sometimes you just do the next right thing until you know.
When it is a big decision and I’m stuck, I will sometimes make a list of pros and cons (probably like a lot of people). What I have found when I do that, is sometimes one side will have a whole lot more “reasons” on it, yet I mAY still choose the other side. When that happens it is because there is one thing on the shorter side of the list that matters so much more that it overpowers everything else. Sort of like if it was a teeter-totter type scale leaning strongly to one side until a large weight is added to the other side and then the balance changes.
For the Israelites spies, they all saw many wonderful “milk and honey” type pros, but they also saw the huge scale tipping people. Huge in size, as well as reputation for evil. And for most of them, that tipped the scale too, “no way, not a chance.” Caleb and Joshua saw all the same things, but their scale tipper was NOT the huge people, it was their HUGER (I know, not a word) God. They focused on Who God is instead of the fear. They leaned into His past works, and future promises, laying down the fear, to pick up faith.
Lord, You have a plan for my life. A plan promised in Your Word for good and not evil. You know my heart’s desire to live in a way that bounces people’s eyes from me, that they would see you. You, Lord God, know my weaknesses and strengths. I pray for immediate obedience in my life to You. That will take courage, trust, and faith Lord. I am afraid to ask, but more afraid not to, for obedience to You is the only good choice. So, when I am faced with decisions that require a list of pros and cons, may the list stop when I know You are on one side or the other. I pray this for myself Lord, for my husband, for my sons, their wives, and my precious grandchildren. All the days of our lives Lord, be the tipping point that empowers us to lay down fear and focus on You in faith. In Jesus precious name and power I pray. Amen.
Father, thank you the precious time I have had with my earthly father. Please, be merciful. When it is time for him to come home to you _ please, let it be peaceful.
I love how when interceding for Israel, Moses quotes God’s own words about Himself back to Him.
Fear is a natural response to the unknown but we don’t have to stay there. God is able to empower us to overcome.
If you have time today’s devotional for the guys is great too