I have a friend who's trying to find his way through the fog of doubt. While he still believes that God is good, much of what he's experiencing seems to contradict that. He's questioning the value of virtue because he sees another person's vice go unpunished. Although he knows that he ought to enjoy his walk with God, right now it's more duty than delight.

I also have an acquaintance who seems to be trying to hold on to God with one hand while clutching her sins in the other. I recently learned that her fourth marriage lasted less than a week. After paying thousands of dollars for a wedding, she's going to have to spend thousands more to get out of the marriage.

To anyone questioning the value of walking with God, I would reply: Saying no to selfish choices and saying yes to God's commands may not be easy, but it's the only way to experience true and lasting joy. Psalm 112 declares that the person who respects God and wants to please Him will enjoy His favor (v.1). That doesn't guarantee a trouble-free life, of course, but it does assure us that we can have peace even in the tough times (vv.6-8).

We can delight in knowing God's blessing is on us, even when the road is not easy.    — Julie Ackerman Link