Tag: devotion

Psalm 129 – Persecuted?

Read Psalm 129

This psalmist has had a hard life from the sounds of it. There is a lot of hurt in his words. A life of persecution is never pleasant. I can’t really imagine what that kind of bondage is like. At best, I may have been laughed at for my faith or ridiculed for my devotion to God, but my back is free of scars. Perhaps this is just a metaphor, but some living in bondage during the exile didn’t have a pretty life. Our psalmist speaks for all of them.

I appreciated the statement, “but they have never defeated me.” That is determination if I’ve ever seen it.  What a bold statement of faith, too. Amidst the trials, there was no caving in or giving up. His hope must have been burning strong.

It seems like in our day and age many take the easy way out. Others are quick to take a defeatist attitude. Many just walk away from struggles, acknowledge and accept their failure. They have lost their backbone. More likely, they have lost their relationship with God. What a shame.

How do you react to hardship? Have you experienced persecution for your faith?

While our psalmist has overcome and is returning “home” to Jerusalem, his bitterness lingers. He isn’t in the forgiving mood to those who have caused him harm. It’s not surprising. It’s hard to forgive when the hurts are in deep. It’s going to take God’s hand and influence to soften that heart.

How does this psalm speak to you today? Does it stir up memories of being hurt? Have you forgiven those who hurt you? I’ve got a few folks in my mind right now. They probably aren’t giving me a moment’s thought today, and that’s okay. I’m going to ask for help to forgive them.

Let’s pray. Father we give you thanks for all the provisions and rescue you do for us on a daily basis. But there are those people who seem to hurt us nonetheless. Help me forgive them. Bless them, Lord, today. Cleanse my heart and make me whole again. Protect me from harm. I pray for a renewal and refreshment. Take away this sense of dread. You are the prince of peace, pour down on me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 128 – Wow, God!

Read Psalm  128

Fear the Lord. Be awed by God. Exclaim, “WOW, God!”

That’s how we need to live. When we hear “fear the Lord,” it’s more than a trembling state of being scared. It’s a sense of extreme awe and wonder at the majesty and perfection of God. From his creation to his love for us. There are many reasons to “fear.”

So long as we live in this holy state of  “fear” or “WOW”, our lives can take on a whole new meaning. When we put things into perspective and give God the honor he deserves.

Some of the illustrations in this psalm are a little intimidating though. I’m not sure what I have in common with a “fruitful grapevine”. So I did some checking of other translations. Even the King James talks of a vine. The Message paraphrase suggests the wife will bear children as the grapevine bears grapes. That’s a lot of children! Or referring back to Psalm 127, many blessings.

Not sure the kids would like to be olive trees, but olive trees are hearty. The olive branch is often thought of as a symbol of abundance, glory, and peace. Again, many blessings.

So do you live in awe of God? How do you get your heart and mind to that place of saying, “Wow, God”? For me, I look to nature. Living here in Mexico I have encountered so many new bugs, flowers, trees, and even our grass is different from what I am used to. The smell of cut grass is still the same though. To look at the intricacies of the beauty around me really helps me to be awestruck.

Others look to the human body, the life cycles of living creatures, a sunset, space and beyond. What works for you? Find that happy place where you are quiet with God. Close your eyes and imagine the creator of the universe is holding you, loving you, guiding you. Wow, God!

Let’s pray. Thank you for all you do and have done for me. I am in awe of you and your majesty. I do fear your power over all things, and that same fear comforts me. Thank you for the security of being in your loving arms. Thank you for bringing to me to this place today where I can shut out the world and just breathe in your Spirit ever deeper. Watch over those whom I love, especially my olive branches, and bring them to a moment like this, wowed by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 126 – Joy!

Read Psalm 126

Have you ever been happy like that? As the psalmist talks about the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after years in exile. They were so happy, they thought they were dreaming.

As the story goes, however, these Israelites had probably never seen the true beauty of Jerusalem before. Why? Because the exile had lasted so long. Those that had been the ones to leave had long since died. But the dream of returning, the memory of God’s promise, the desire for Jerusalem lived on.

I have “pinch me” moments quite often when I wake up to another beautiful, sunny day here in Mexico. I’m retired now with no more alarm clocks. I have joy in that, and often have to  remind myself I’m not dreaming.

We should all have the Israelite’s kind of joy in our hearts at the mere thought of our loving God. He showed us he loved us in a big way when he sent his son. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us, for our sins, was the triumph of greatest magnitude. Every follower should be jumping for joy and having a “pinch me” moment at the very thought.

As the history continues, it didn’t take the returning Israelites  long to see that their beloved City was in ruin. The glory days had long since ended. The second half of the psalm is a beautiful call for God’s provision to restore and renew. I appreciate how it is done with such integrity and not selfish plea.  In the strength of those words, there is no doubt that God will act, and when he does., their response…JOY!

Do you have that kind of assurance when you pray? Do you know without a doubt that God will make “lemonade out of lemons” for you? Are you ready to sing and shout for joy at the thought? Think on that for a while. Is it time to rejuvenate your allegiance to God? Your prayer life?

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for all you have done for me! You have changed my mourning into dancing and left me stronger in the wake of my struggles. Thank you for guiding me through those dark days to such a sunny and bright future. I know that your hand is at work to guide and direct us here in our new surroundings. Thank you for the opportunity to reach people I wouldn’t have otherwise reached through this transition. Use us to make a difference. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 125 – Why Trust?

Read Psalm 125

The promise in verse one is quite something, isn’t it? “Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” 

Is this a good reason to trust God? He is surrounding us now and will forever. There is assurance there. It doesn’t say that we will be trouble free. But no matter what, God is there. That’s why I trust.

We will not be defeated. We have the final victory with Jesus. We may experience trials and feel as if we’re defeated in this life, but this promise goes way beyond the here and now. This is a promise for eternity. I can put up with a little strife in this life, to be ready for the happily ever after with Jesus.

The part of this psalm about evil rulers strikes a chord. There are many people around the world today unhappy with their leadership. We see it here in Mexico, and we certainly see it in the United States. There are people all over the globe fearful for their lives because of rulers who are abusing their power. But, if we also believe in God’s sovereignty, we know that God is the true ruler of our hearts and lives. These men and women in authority are only being used by God.

Romans 13 addresses this, ” Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. “ I’m not intending to get into a political debate. Whether we agree with our rulers are not, we should remember this Bible teaching and get on our knees in prayer for those leaders.

Evil exists in this world, and no one is immune. We are all tempted by our own weaknesses. I think of 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” There it is. We can call on the power of Christ!

So where do you put your trust? In your own abilities? In your Savior and King, Jesus?

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father thank you for your promise of eternity with you. Help me to trust you without question. I pray for the world’s leaders, especially when I see so much injustice and anger and fear. Work in their hearts so that they align with you. I pray for those that are searching for you. May they find you and be blessed. Unleash your power inside me so that I can truly live for you.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 123 – Have Mercy

Read Psalm 123

I lift my eyes to you Lord.

We need our focus to be on God and everything else will fall into place. We need to cry out for mercy, and it will be given to us.

When I imagine true attention on God, I picture our dogs during training exercises. Those sweet little faces looking up at me, wanting to please and obey. They are so eager for the treat that awaits them as an reward for the appropriate response. There is almost a pleading in their expression.

How does it look when we look to God? Are we smiling with thanksgiving? Are we scowling with anger? Are we laughing with joy? Are we pleading for forgiveness? Are we expectantly waiting for direction?

We are probably all waiting for answered prayer of some kind or another. Maybe it’s for restored relationships, for healing from sickness, for clarity on a job change, for rescue from a dangerous situation, for peace, for financial security. We are all in the waiting boat. Where are our eyes while we wait?

Don’t you love how God’s word is always fresh? We may have read this same psalm a billion times, but each time there is something new, something fresh that is revealed. That’s why Bible studies with others can be so beneficial. We all see the same passage through different eyes, coming from different backgrounds with perhaps differing perspectives. We can learn so much from each other and how God is revealing himself to them.

So where are your eyes focused today? Do you want to do something about it? For me, I’m going to work harder at keeping my focus on God and not on the struggles or frustrations of the day.

Let’s pray. Lord, I cry out to you with thanksgiving for giving me life and breath. May I serve you and bless you with my words and actions today. Help me keep my focus on you. Help me shut out distractions. Use me to touch lives today. Have mercy on me and my household. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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