#436 - PSALM 9:13-20
LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, LORD; let the nations know they are only mortal.
Psalm 9:13-20
ADORE
"But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish." Though I may forget our neglect the needy, I praise you Heavenly Father for being one who will never forget. I praise you for always having the least of these in mind. I thank you that you will give hope to those who are downcast. Though I know I am responsible for doing these things as well, to know that you actually do it day in and day out brings me great comfort. You love your creation more than I ever could and for that I am thankful!
ADMIT
"...let the nations be judged in your presence." I confess that though you are the judge, I have, may times, unnecessarily attempted to play that role. Forgive me for indicting those who should only be indicted by you. Forgive me for condemning those who should only be condemned by you. Forgive me for writing off those who should only be written off by you. You are God. I am not. Forgive me for the many times when I have got this confused. My judgements are biased. My judgements are faulty. My judgements are unaware of the whole story. My judgements are inaccurate. Please forgive me for the many times when I have judged others and from this day forward give me the wisdom to leave judgement up to you!
ASPIRE
"The LORD is known by his acts of justice..." I dream of the day when myself and the community of faith that I am blessed to be a part of will be known by our acts of justice. I don't want to be known only be what we say, teach, or proclaim. I want to be known by what we do day in and day out to bring peace, justice, and liberty to the community we are privileged to serve. Lord, give me opportunity to execute acts of justice and give me the courage to execute those acts when the opportunities present themselves. Continue to break my heart for what breaks yours. May everything I am and everything I have be for your Kingdom's cause. I pray all of this in Jesus name, Amen.