Exodus 15:11

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

The revelation of God's glory should be the wellspring of all our worship. We ought to regularly lay claim to his glory, testifying, "Lord, I know you're holy and just, and you won't wink at sin. But I've also seen your glory. And I know you're not out to destroy me.

"You don't condemn me in my struggles. On the contrary, you show me how loving and long-suffering you are toward me. I know I deserve rejection. I've failed so often, I should be cast aside completely. But you reveal to me that you're merciful, gracious, tenderhearted!"

At times during my years in ministry, I've been overwhelmed by enemies who have risen against me. In those times, I felt the discipline of the Lord like a rod on my back. I remember one period in particular when I was slandered on all sides. Other ministers asked me, "David, I'm hearing questionable things about you. Are they true? Is all this stuff about you coming from the devil, or is God trying to speak to you?"

Even that question offended me! After a while, I became totally overwhelmed by the emotional pain of it all. I grew physically exhausted from the ongoing battle. At one point, I could barely face going to church to preach.

One morning my wife literally had to lift me up from my chair in my study. About halfway to church, I told her I couldn't go on. I couldn't face another person in our services wondering if I was a phony. Finally, I cried out, "Lord, what have I done to deserve this? Where is my sin?"

Then, one day, God directed me to this prayer of Jeremiah: "O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing" (Jeremiah 10:24).

These words from Jeremiah became my daily prayer throughout that severe time of testing: "Lord, chasten me and judge me if you must. But please -- don't do it in anger! If I hear one more wrathful word, it'll destroy me. I'll be brought to nothing. Please don't reduce me to dust, Lord. I'm low enough!"

Whenever I uttered this prayer, the Lord answered me, "David, if I choose to correct you, it's because I love you. This test is not about my judgment at all. I am merciful, gracious, loving, and long-suffering toward you. Now, stand still and see my glory!" This knowledge of his glory carried me through to a place of total rest. God vindicated me on all sides.

Beloved, once you have this revelation of God's glory, you need never again fear he'll correct you in anger. He carries his rod in a tender, loving hand. He will discipline us, but only in gracious compassion. He'll never hurt us or cast us aside.

Moreover, God reveals his glory in Christ so that we'll claim it! It is our assigned right, and it is meant to be claimed. When Paul says, " I do not set aside the grace of God..." (Galatians 2:21), he means, "I won't nullify God's offer of mercy by rejecting it!"

Those who truly worship God claim the blessing of his promises. They see the glory of his love in Christ -- and they lay hold of that glory, to heal and settle their troubled souls!