Yesterday we finished discussing how God’s people when they are flourishing like palm trees will have to decide if “God is right”, “God is immovable”, and “God is good all the time”. I think there was something in the sermon about eventually having to “drink the poop water”, but I won’t take this conversation down the crapper… ANWAYS.

Sometimes, we may be misunderstood, represented wrongly, or criticized. But here’s the thing, just like King David (who we talked about yesterday as well), the accusers may have the details wrong, but they are right that we are broken and sinful people. ALL have sinned and fallen short. Instead of telling someone off or fighting to have your case reviewed, let’s trust that God is in control. “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”. Paul, who was no stranger to being represented wrongly, wrote these words in a letter to the Philippians many years later. I’ll let them speak for themselves:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9