2 Samuel 22:25-32
You have been good to me because I do right; you have rewarded me for being innocent by your standards.
You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful.
With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve.
You rescue the humble, but you look for ways to put down the proud.
Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light.
You help me defeat armies and capture cities.
Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.
You alone are God! Only you are a mighty rock.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” – Jimmy Carter
I’ve been thinking about President Carter lately. I remember his election to office…and how so many people ridiculed him – especially for his Christian faith. In a 2021 PBS interview, Judy Woodruff spoke with historian and author, Jonathan Alter, who argues in his book, His Very Best, that President Carter is “perhaps the most misunderstood president in American history.”
Jonathan Alter cites President Carter’s accomplishments at the Camp David peace talks and lauds them as “the most enduring and significant peace treaty in the world since World War II.” This inspired him to consider the accomplishments of the 39th President that are generally overlooked, such as starting a discussion about climate change…passing the Ethics in Government act to protect whistle-blowers…setting up the offices of Inspector Generals…creating FISA courts…and establishing FEMA, the Department of Education, and the Department of Energy.
These accomplishments are the tip of the iceberg…but generally, they are not what many remember about President Jimmy Carter. A lot of people consider Jimmy Carter a failure because he did not bring the 63 men and women held hostage home from Iran before the 1980 Presidential election (although they were released just minutes after President Ronald Reagan was inaugurated). Alter admits that many “slimed” the former President. He claims his book is an attempt to show readers that Jimmy Carter was not a lousy President…and to detail how he accomplished more than most people realize.
In this psalm that David wrote in 2 Samuel, we see someone who is pouring out his heart to God and thanking Him for the blessings given to those who remain faithful and humble. I couldn’t help but think of President Carter and his beloved late wife and partner, Rosalynn. Surely they must have clung to the promises of these verses on numerous occasions. Their life and legacy stand as a modern-day illustration of living faithfully and humbly in the word and will of God…even when others ridicule – and even condemn us for it.
Books may never be written about us…and “history” may never correct misconceptions and disparagement of our efforts to serve as God commands. But God will know…and He will reward us in His time and according to His perfect plans. Jimmy Carter understands this…and so should we. Make pleasing God in humble service and faithfulness your only goal…and He will take care of the rest. Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
Daily Devo Time 