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#ThursdayDevotion: Psalm 79

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 Date: 29th October 2020

Psalm 79 is about the collapse of society, social, religious and political ruin in ancient Israel. Jerusalem was invaded and destroyed. God’s people were unfaithful and disobeyed God’s laws. Many of us have not experienced such a disaster but one can draw similarities with some areas of our current society. Many brothers and sisters live in fear and have no freedom to worship. The Open Doors website says 260 million Christians are persecuted. No different from the time this Psalm was written, not many people fear God (including Christians), many have disregarded God and His ways. The line between sin and righteousness is blurred. Everyone wants to be politically correct- leave them alone as long as they are happy. Even the most fundamental aspect of what God intended a family to be has redefined. We live in a society where movies and Tv shows use our Lord’s name in vain and some even mock God.

As Asaph was facing this trial, he pours out his plea: “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” In spite of the turmoil and violence around him, Asaph turns to God in prayer and trusting that He will be faithful. When we are faced with trials or the brokenness of the world has moved our hearts to lament, we must seek the Lord and desire His Presence. Turn to God in prayer and pray for God to be glorified in all nations. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11:2), and this reminds us that the world we live in needs the refreshing goodness and wholeness of God’s kingdom. As we recognize that the world is profoundly broken, we know that its ultimate healing will occur only when the fullness of God’s kingdom has finally come. Until that day comes, we must continue to be ambassadors for Christ. To be salt and light, to show His love and grace in us and through us. As God’s people, we know that a new heaven and a new earth awaits us where we will live for eternity. Regardless of the situation, we continue to praise him and remain confident of His grace and mercy (v.13).  

Prayer

Lord, the pain of life in this broken world leads us to cry out to you for help. Lord, heal our hurts. Lord, bring your kingdom. Even when things seems to be falling apart, Lord, be our peace. Give us wisdom to carry on glorifying Your Name in our workplace and our society. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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