Overcoming Temptation

In the 19th century John Page Hoops wrote a hymn that in its simplicity speaks of the profound work of God in help us to become over-comers. 

Father, lead me day by day,

Ever in Thine own good way;

Teach me to be pure and true,

Show me what I ought to do.

When in danger, make me brave;

Make me know that Thou canst save;

Keep me safely by Thy side;

Let me in Thy love abide.

When I’m tempted to do wrong,

Make me steadfast, wise, and strong;

And when all alone I stand,

Shield me with Thy mighty hand.

May I do the good I know,

Serving gladly here below;

Then at last go home to Thee,

Evermore Thine own to be.

The third verse starts with the fact all of us are tempted to do wrong from time to time, so we should pray that the Lord to lead us away from temptation. Hoops then suggests that instead of yielding, we should pray that the Lord will give us wisdom to help us endure temptation. He takes this from the letter of James 1:5, 12-15 that says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Finally, this third verse claims that in this way the Lord will be our shield to protect us, just like the Psalmist claims, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. “Ps. 3:3

“In the last analysis,” says Martin Lloyd-Jones, “it is not the temptations that meet us on the streets that determine our conduct; it is the heart of the one who faces them. Two individuals may face the same conditions; one falls, the other stands. The difference is not in the temptation but in the heart.”

Dear Lord, I want to thank you because you have always been there for me even when I am faced with trials and temptations. I have no power of my own Lord and I rely on your power to overcome temptation today.

Please help me to open my eyes to see and to be able to recognise temptation today and give me the power to flee from the appearance at first sight that would entice and trap me.  Amen.