Vexation Of The Soul!

~ Nancy Goring

     Sometimes we wonder how wicked this old world will get. For generations now, folks have said we have grown worse and worse, and perhaps that is true. Or perhaps we are just more aware of the evil because the world has grown; technology has allowed us to hear and view things almost as soon as they occur.
     In my Bible study the other day I couldn't help but reread a statement in 2 Peter 2:6-9.  "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished."
     We can learn a great deal from these scriptures. To begin with, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha served as a deterrent to those who were ungodly.  We also see that Lot was constantly vexed with the filthy conversation of those who lived about him. God tells us that Lot was a righteous man dwelling among evil people. Does that sound familiar to you? Do you ever feel that you might be the only one left who has not gone the way of the world? Poor Lot's soul was vexed continually watching their wicked ways, hearing their vile speech. How difficult it must have been for him and his family to get up every morning, knowing that his children would be subjected to these evils, that they would not have any friends, and that his wife would not have the blessing of having godly women with whom she could share her day. What a miserable existence that would be. Not only did they not have any godly people with whom to share their joy and sorrow, or to hold them up spiritually in times of need, but they actually had people banging on their door, trying to get Lot  to send the angels of the Lord out to them that they might commit fornication with them (Genesis 19:5).
       Like Lot of old, we too, face vexations in our lives today, although I do not believe nearly so drastic. Our children have to hear vile language daily in their schools, as well as other public places and whenever they turn on a T.V., radio, video, or any other electronic device.  We have to endure the ungodly conversations and behavior of the wicked as we go through our daily lives. As we look back at the passages above though, there is a blessing that follows those who are righteous. God knows, He sees, and He cares for His children! Let us never forget that. He knows how to deliver us out of temptation. We are told that we will not be tempted above that which we can endure and that He provides a way out of temptation if we will but look for it ( 1 Corinthians 10:13). There will come a day of reckoning for the just and the unjust. If we be found faithful we will spend eternal life with the Father and no longer have to worry about the evil deeds of others. What a blessing to know there will be rest for the soul, when our Great God delivers us! This life is brief. Our job is to bring as many to Christ as possible. Along the way we will have vexations just as Lot did, but don't give up! Remain righteous - don't allow the wicked acts of others to bring you down. There is a better place awaiting us if we remain faithful to God. Enjoy the blessings of worship, prayer, fellowship with brothers and sisters and be thankful for all those blessings while we remain here on this earth, ever looking toward the glorious home we will have in heaven.

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, gospel preacher for the Chipman Road church of Christ. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.
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