Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Psalm 74

The psalmist is looking for a response from God. He recalls the ruin of Jerusalem and defilement of a place where God was worshiped. The impatience in his tone is evident, and his frustration clear. Does God even care? Why isn’t God doing something to the enemy? We know our God is more than capable, and I’m guessing the psalmist does, too, yet the plea to take action rings out.

How true this is still today. Verse 10 resonated with me. “How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever?” In an earlier translation, the word insult was “mock”. We are so many years past the writing of this psalm, and yet it seems as if it should be the cry of our hearts still today. We see so many snubbing their nose at God, or worse. Don’t you find the apathy of the people appalling, or is it just me? I often think to myself, “what must God be thinking?” My heart breaks for God, breaks for the people who live in darkness and act in ways that dishonor our great Creator, Friend and Guide.

So what can we do? How do we fit in to this picture? Should I sit back content because I know my future is secure? I don’t think so, yet I feel powerless and unsure of how God will use me. I look forward to a clarity of purpose. We should all desire to be purpose filled followers, don’t you agree?

God, in all his infinite wisdom, has this in control. He isn’t humiliated one little bit. He will have the final say in all our destinies. His timing is perfect. We can hold on to that truth. We can cry out until we are blue in the face, but God will act when God acts. And it will be mighty.

Can you recall a time or situation when you had it all figured out and were merely asking for God’s blessing on “your” plan? How did that turn out? I’ve done it, plenty of times. What I’ve found is that God has it all worked out, and his plan for me has been so much better than anything I could have even dreamed of. Now I try to focus on asking for his will be done because that is the wisdom and outcome I truly desire.

Let’s pray.  Lord, may your name be lifted high and exalted among the nations! You are worthy to be praised! Thank you for this reminder of your majesty and greatness. Thank you that you have me in your hands. I pray for those who mock and insult you that they will see the truth and turn to you. Fill me with your wisdom and give me clarity to my purpose. I yearn for you and for you to work through me. Help me to get out of the way so that you can do your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 73

A new section of the Psalms starts with this psalm! I can tell a difference in the writing style as it’s not one ascribed to David. It certainly celebrates the sovereignty of God.  Did you resonate with the lament of the psalmist about who those evil ones seem to prosper and have it all? It did for me. I have, like the psalmist, asked why it is that those who are far from God seem to have it all and no troubles befall them. I may even go so far to admit I have envied those people living the dream with nice cars, perfect lawns, designer clothes and no worry about how the bills are going to get paid. I agree with the psalmist!

Perhaps the key in all of this can be summed up with one little word, “seems”. It seems like those with everything really have everything. But things aren’t always what they seem. We are assured of our destiny in eternity, these ungodly folks are not. They have what they have now, but that will pass away. We have God in our lives caring for us and directing us. They do not. Look at verse 24. “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” Indeed! Those who have deserted God will perish.

That opens another concern for me. What about those loved ones that are far from God now? While I cannot know their hearts, only God knows that, I still pray that they return to the Lord before it’s too late. I struggle with wanting to help them find their way, but at the same time afraid of the devil’s stronghold and unsure of how to break their chains. I need to remember it’s not by my might that the chains are broken.

The psalm ends on a high note, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” We have nothing to be bitter about. God has it all figured out, and we are destined to be with him. Forever. I would think that that is something to be jealous of, not the other way around. Those far from God may have treasure on earth in this life, but my treasure is with God in eternity.

Take a moment to truly let this truth fill you up and wash away any feeling of inadequacy, doubt, or envy.

Let’s pray. Lord, you are a mighty God worthy to be praised. Help me not feel envy toward those who don’t know you yet seem to have it all. Thank you for the wonderful destiny you have promised for me. Help me stay close to you and show my appreciation in all I say and do. Use me to bring those who are far from you back into your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 72

This psalm is said to be of Solomon’s hand and points clearly to Jesus, the coming Messiah, the perfect King. Whether there is duality of meaning here, I am not certain. It could be Solomon’s wish for his own son, his own descendant who will one day be king. The references to “forever” and “end of time” and “all nations” would suggest reference to the King of Kings, pointing to our Messiah Jesus the Christ. Did you catch the hint to the “wise men” being prophesied here?

The attributes of the king described in this psalm are full of integrity and power. Not only are blessings asked for the king but for the people. This king will rule forever. We await his return, for that glorious day. We don’t know if we’ll experience that in our lifetime, we aren’t supposed to know. He will come like a “thief in the night” we are told. There are some days that I wish it would be sooner rather than later.  Do you ever wish to see Jesus’ return?

As we wait, we are to worship. What gold can we bring? Take a moment to think about the riches you have to bring to the feet of Jesus. He doesn’t need our “stuff”, but he does long for our devotion and our willingness to give it all to him.

We must do our part to keep the story alive and not keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves. We have been given a great inheritance, and it is not for us alone. “To the ends of the earth” involves a lot of people. Everyone deserves to hear about and know Jesus as their savior.

Let’s pray. Lord, help me to not lose sight of your eternal kingship, you are a mighty, all-knowing God. You are king of my life. Forgive me when I try to take and hold on to control. Forgive me when I don’t open my mouth and let your message come out. Forgive my selfish heart for wanting to take the easy road. Thank you for this new day and new opportunities. Help e to be watching for the openings you give. I pray for the day when the whole earth will be filled with your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Psalm 71

It is right that we should, at all times and in all places, give praise to God and proclaim his mighty power! This psalm is another good example we can follow to do just that. Every prayer we pray should start out with a proclamation to God affirming how great he is! Continue reading “Psalm 71 – You Are a Powerful God”

Read Psalm 70

Did you feel like you were on a bit of an obstacle course with this psalm? For a very short psalm, it sure takes some unexpected turns. We start with an urgent plea for rescue and a sense of fear of doom. We then shift to an acknowledgement that all who seek will be filled with gladness where focus shifts, presumably to others. Just as quickly the focus returns on the psalmist alone as he returns to his own plea and adds now that he is poor. I suppose this is really a common psalm pattern. I think we can all find ourselves in one of these examples.  The common denominator here is God. He is in the mix and in the lives of his people.

How are you getting along? Do you feel fear? Are you alone needing rescue? Are you seeking God? Are you being used by God in his rescue of someone dear?

Take a moment now to assess what obstacles might be in your life that will keep you from drawing closer to our Lord and Savior. What do you need to do to remove them?

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the direction this devotion took in my heart today. I think you for the many blessings in my life. Work in me to be a better witness to your love and promise of salvation. Use me to comfort those who may be struggling and give me wisdom how to help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.