PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 140
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I know the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” (Psalm 140:12)
This is a victim’s prayer, their pain and fear overflowing in desperation.
Their prayer is for justice, for God to take up their cause.
When I hear of ongoing suffering and misery in the world, I get agitated.
If there is no God, then there is little hope for justice for victims.
If God is unjust or uncaring, then there is little hope for anyone.
I know… I know deep down inside, I know that I know that I know…
That the Lord secures justice for all, and upholds the cause of the needy.
I wish he would do it sooner rather than later (I think he wishes the same for us).
At this time he wants to do it WITH US, to show where our own hearts are.
But the day will finally come when he will wrap things up and restores justice fully.
Until that day he calls us to join in the pursuit for justice.
I know that Jesus uses his followers to secure justice for the poor.
I know that Jesus uses his followers to uphold the cause of the needy!
Will I join with Jesus in his pursuit of justice, to help others see that there is hope?
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see the poor and needy. Open my eyes to see you standing with them. Open my eyes to see how I am part of the problem. Open my eyes to see how I can help.
“Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.” Too often that is what we see – thinking especially of the killing in the Ukraine. For a time there may be success for the aggressor, but really what will be gained? A lot of hatred and disgust for the aggressor. Will it bring peace for the aggressor? Really, our only hope is in the Lord who brings real peace and shalom – shalom that I may have through Jesus. Jesus succeeded in his mission – and be believing I too will succeed! Lord help me to direct my ways to keep my plans faithful to you – that I may succeed!
At al times I need to praise my living God. This is His world and even though the wrong oft seems so strong God is the Ruler yet. He is in charge and will bring to good all who fear Him. He upholds His own and gives them the power to do right, to do justice throw His people and their organizations helping those in need. We are His hands and feet on the ground redeeming His creation in His strengthening powers. May we/I see His world as He sees it, through His eyes, becoming instruments of His peace.
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!