Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Ps. 58:11)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 58
In the end, the righteous are still rewarded. Life in a fallen world can feel very discouraging and defeating. If we are unable to see beyond our immediate circumstances, we may in fact lose hope and give up. Psalm 58 is a great reminder. We can take hope in the fact that, while our victory may be delayed in the battle, the war is already won. The 1936 Berlin Olympics were filled with historic moments, not the least of which was the USA gold medal rowing team featured in the best-selling book The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown. The young American rowing team was able to capture the hearts and imagination of the world with their talent, determination, and incredible ability to finish strong. Often the eight-man crew would look defeated until the middle of the race when their disciplined determination would overwhelm and dominate their opponents.
You, too may look around you and feel as if you are defeated. But be encouraged today to avoid getting caught in the world’s ways of thinking. Look to the hope of God’s Word, his return, and his reward for the righteous. As he rewards the righteous, he will also set right every wrong in our world, as he judges the world. That epic finish is the ultimate reward to keep “rowing” toward.
Live a righteous life today by following Jesus.
Brian D. Bennett is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and currently serves as lead pastor in Vero Beach, Florida. He has published with Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
