Genesis 4:6-7 - The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

We all know the instant rage and seething resentment Cain had that blinds the mind. Sin wants to take us over. It wants to work through us to destroy us and others. It loves chaos, disorder, and disaster. Peter summarizes:

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

God commands, “You must rule over [sin].”

It’s not recorded that Cain ever asked God how to rule over sin.

And this isn’t theoretical philosophy. This is our lived experience as humans. You and I go through all this.

I’ve tried ruling over sin purely in my own strength and come up sorely lacking.

So many Psalms instruct us with the means of overcoming sin. Namely, rely on God to help us rule over it:

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Jesus didn’t pray, “Deliver yourselves from evil.”

He prayed, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name… Deliver us from evil.” God does it. We ask for it. May you rule over all the sin in us, Lord. Re-make us.

Destined to death til you lead me out
I am calling you, I am
Won’t you be my strength and song?
Destined for life
Will you heal me now?
Will I see all my dreams?
Oh, wait in time
With faith, I’ll be fine
(Kings Kaleidoscope - Past, Present, Future)