There have been times in my
life that I have needed to stand up to opposition, and to those who, it
appears, don’t have my best interests at heart. Sometimes I have needed to
stand for something that I know is not popular. These are not easy times, but
there is one thing that gives me a sense of courage during these times. That
one thing is when I know there is a Bible principle that needs to be
represented and stated. These times are not easy, but they have been important,
pivotal times in my life. I was raised in a home where injustice was not
tolerated. If there was a problem between my sister and me, or between us and
our parents, it was never “swept under the rug” hoping it would go away. We
brought the issue up, and found a solution.

I often find myself in
situations similar to the one described in Psalm 119:150. “They draw nigh
that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.” It seems that those
who are opposed to the laws of God are closer than I feel comfortable with them
being. However, I believe that God placed Christians in the world to be salt
and light. Both salt and light provide something that makes a difference, not
necessarily something that is unnoticed. Therefore, I have a desire to make a
difference. I have found that complaining about those opposed to God does not
make any difference in the situation, other than making me feel good for a fleeting
moment. Something more is needed …

Continuing to read in Psalm
119, the answer is found for what is needed in verse 151. “Thou art near, O
LORD; and all they commandments are truth.” The answer to every problem we
are facing in our lives today can be boiled down to these two ingredients being
present and powerful. I need to walk with the Lord in a very close
relationship. When I stray from His presence, problems are sure to arise. God
is gracious to us in allowing this to happen. He desires intimacy with Him, and
anything short of that will leave us feeling the emptiness of loneliness.
First, I need to remain “near” to the Lord.

Secondly, I need to combine
that intimacy with the Lord with a saturation of my heart with His Word. When
enemies approach, I am best served when I turn to the Word of God. Friends, and
those in the world will have plenty of advice for me, but the ultimate advice
for my life ought to come from the Word of God. I have found in my life
personally that the times I have slipped away from God have also been the times
I was not actively pursuing time in His Word. If you need an escape route
today, run to the Lord!