Evil is present with me. Romans 7:21

January 18    Evil is present with me.           Romans 7:21

Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

But what a mercy that it does not reign in you  and over you;   it did once, and would now but for free and sovereign grace.

If sin makes you groan, leads you to the throne to plead with God, and the fountain of the Saviour’s blood to be cleansed from it, it does not, it cannot reign. It may disturb your peace, distress  your mind, hinder you in duty, mix with all your efforts to do good; and even make you cry out, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me?”

But even then you would not doubt; Jesus still loves you, grace will reign in your experience, and you shall be more, than a conqueror. Paul had know the Lord many years, he had been in the third heaven, and daily triumphed in Christ; yet he felt just as you feel, when he would do good evil was present with him, and  he could not do the things that he would.

If sin annoys you, is you burden, and causes you grief; holiness lives in you and the present painful conflict will en everlasting peace.

You may even now sing. “Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Live upon Christ, and you will live down all evil.

Crosses and changes are our lot,

Long as we sojourn here;

But since our Saviour changes not,

What have the saints to fear?

James Smith