We are closer to the end times more than ever before, and that means there will be more darkness in the world. The scripture tells us that people’s hearts will be hardened. The ripple effect of hardened hearts brings about suffering and oppression to those subjected to it. This leads to vexation.
How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers: Numbers 20:15 (KJV)
According to Strong’s dictionary, the following are some of the definitions of Vexation:
To spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally):—afflict, break (down, in pieces), displease.
The Israelites had been under slavery for about 400 years in Egypt! That’s a long time! The blessed children of Israel who immigrated to Egypt under the protection of Joseph were long gone. For the new generation of Israelites, the promises that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would have sounded like a fantasy or a myth when recounted. Now these special people were not so special anymore. As a matter of fact, they were despised by the Egyptians and were in bondage to pagan leaders who led Egypt.
The Israelites came to Egypt to escape the famine that was going on in their country, but now they were experiencing a different form of famine. They had a famine of hope and identity as a result of being slaves in a foreign land. This experience broke down the Israelites’ identity, injured their spirit, soul, and body, and vexed them. They became weary, and many of them could not see the light at the end of this dark tunnel. Suffering seemed to be their identity and destiny, and they had no way of rising above this oppression.
Have you ever felt vexed by the circumstances of life? This could be a financial situation, a tough marriage, or a difficult family member or a friend. These types of situations are very difficult to deal with. Sometimes you may think that just speaking the truth would fix the situation, but you find that it actually makes the matters worse. If you try to withdraw, you realize that you would lose a relationship with someone you dearly love. On the other hand, you cannot accept the relationship the way it is.
Sometimes we may feel powerless to change the situation, or we may not willing to accept the consequences of that change. At other times, we may feel stuck and not know how to get out of the bad situation, so we just surrender ourselves and accept that nothing can be done about it. Those are the kinds of situations that bring vexation.
Vexation sucks faith out of the life of the believer and makes one feel helpless and powerless about the circumstances. When one is weary, it is easier to give in to the oppression and pressure, and the spirit of vexation becomes stronger in oppressing and injuring one’s identity and hope.
Is there anything that is vexing you right now? Are you feeling hopeless and oppressed? Begin identifying those areas of vexation and bring them to the Lord.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
