Below are a couple verses that are found in 2 Peter which are found in a section talking about how God is able to save the righteous while simultaneously destroying the wicked. These verses give insight on a few things that can ‘weigh us down’ or oppress us.
2 Peter 2:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV)
“and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—
Oppressed: to lie heavily upon (the mind, a person, etc…) To weigh down, as weariness does. To put down; subdue or suppress, to press upon or against; crush. dictionary.com
The Amplified Bible says it like this:
2 Peter 2:7-8 Amplified Bible (AMP)
“and if He rescued righteous Lot, who was tormented by the immoral conduct of unprincipled and ungodly men 8 (for that just man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by what he saw and heard of their lawless acts),
1- Who is around you? Are you keeping good company?
1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMP)
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”
We can be oppressed by others’ actions as Lot was due to the people that were around him. Have you stopped attending church regularly? Do you seek out Godly friends? Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP)
“and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.”
2- What do you see? Are you watching movies, sitcoms, talk shows or more that speak of and do things that are immoral. Lot’s soul was tormented by what he saw & heard. What are you allowing your eyes to see? “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” Philippians 4:8 AMP
3- What do you hear? Are you are listening to gossip, ungodly music, other people that are filled with unwholesome talk? Ephesians 5:4 AMP “Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].” What are you allowing yourself to hear?
The things we see and hear can oppress our souls, they bring about a heaviness that tries to crush us. Are you feeling a heavy burden? Are you tired? This Memorial Day check these 3 areas of your life to see if there is a part of your life that you may need to adjust to put yourself in a place of encouragement and not oppression.
Written by Jamie Shaver