Scripture Reading

Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Insight on the Word

God’s Word teaches that the wicked will reap what he fears will come into his life; but the righteous will have their desires granted. Hannah who was barren, had her desire for a child granted (1 Samuel 1:20). Esther’s desire to save the lives of her people was granted (Esther 4:16; Esther 8:15-17). Daniel’s desire to be spared from the lion’s den was granted (Daniel 2:18-23; Daniel 9:1-23; Daniel 10:1-21). Simeon’s desire to see the Messiah was granted (Luke 2:25-30). All these where righteous men and women of God.

There are rewards and punishments in this life, which we bring upon ourselves, depending on how we live. Those who live wickedly live in constant fear that the consequences of their actions will one day catch up with them. The thief who stole and has not been caught yet, the liar who has not yet been found out; and the person who is abusing his body by what he puts into it; are all waiting in fear for their day of reckoning.

The righteous however need not live in fear. For living right before God there is no fear in our lives (2 Timothy 1:7). Walking in the love, fear is vanished (1 John 4:18). In addition to freedom from fear, we also have God’s promise that He will grant our desires.

Living righteously truly has its advantages. Not only are we promised Heaven in the next life, which be itself would be enough, but God grants our desires in this life. Purpose in your heart today, that you will not live in fear as the wicked do, but will live “right before God.” Living in this way we can not only see our needs supplied (Philippians 4:19), but also live with confident assurance that “the desire of the righteous shall be granted.”

Speak the Word — While the wicked receive their fears, I walk in God’s righteousness and He grants my desires. (Proverbs 10:24)

Daily Bible Reading — Genesis 12 – 15