Tues., 4/23/19 Devotion (Ps. 34:22)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 34:22, where we read these words:

"The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned."

Is it not a magnificent blessing, to know that our sins are forgiven in Jesus' blood atonement (alone)—especially when we are hard-pressed from within and without? When others would condemn us; our good God exonerates and vindicates us—since we are in Christ and His atoned-for church.

Even our own hearts, at times, would seek to condemn us (cf. 1 Jn. 3:20). Even here, the faithful churched Christian should take comfort—not in him- or herself—but in Jesus alone. A "redeemed soul" is a great acheivement; but it cost God the blood of His Own dear Son, who gave Himself for us.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Submit to Christ willingly. All the devils in hell sub-mit to Christ; but it is against their will; they are His slaves, not His subjects.” —Thomas Watson, in, "A Body of Divinity"]