THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 7
“Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.” (Psalm 7:9)
Children abducted and abused, women assaulted and raped.
Girls kidnapped and put in the sex trade, dealers using drugs to enslave their victims.
Those with disabilities taunted and bullied, those with mental illness ignored and despised.
Those with weapons or political power walking all over those around them.
Government officials cheating the system for their advantage.
Business leaders increasing profits at the cost of their workers and the environment.
David wrote this Psalm regarding a specific individual, but it applies to all evil and violence.
It expresses the deep, deep longing for justice, freedom, safety and blessing FOR ALL!
It also gives a clear warning: if you cause such evil, you will pay for it.
Is it any wonder that God hates sin, and the misery it brings?
We should hate it too, and not just when it affects us personally.
Terrible, horrible evils are occurring all over the world this very minute.
Instead of hiding in our bubble, pretending that everything is OK, we should be riled.
To begin with we should echo David’s prayer, “bring an end to violence, make the righteous secure!!!”
Beyond that, we should do what we can to end violence, and help the oppressed.
No we can’t change the world, but we can start with our own words and actions.
And where we see examples of violence, we can resist them.
Pick a cause and invest yourself in it – if everyone picked one, that would change the world.
Join with Jesus in overcoming evil with good – this is how His kingdom comes!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for becoming complacent because we are saved, while ignoring the plight of many throughout the world. Make me a channel of Your grace, Your peace, Your love!
God is my Refuge and Strength.
God is my Shield.
God is the Judge.
All things begin with Him and all will end with Him.
In between those times I must do my part serving Him. The joy of the Lord God is my strength. And in order to enjoy this day in joy, I need to walk in His SonShine doing what He desires me to do – to be an instrument of His peace. Kingdom service. GodStrong making my arm ‘ArmStrong.’ This is what His people – I – have been called to do.
Help me on your Way Lord.
Open my eyes so that I might see You in all that I do.
Help me to be a peacemaker.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.