Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 89:9-18
Ps 89:9-18
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Eph 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
When we imitate God, we are filled with love and mercy, which shows in our compassion and grace. We feel and we advocate, when possible, for those who are oppressed or ignored or those who are mistreated by the one(s) in power and control. This is just as true for the abused child, spouse, co-worker or fellow student as it is for those who are being persecuted for their faith in some foreign land. And by grace we seek to help those who don’t deserve to be helped.
In our zeal and compassion, we need to not paint with a broad brush and accuse good people of not sharing our compassion. Not everyone has the ability, the emotional temperament, or even the opportunity, to intervene or help situations that are mostly private matters. This does not mean they don’t notice or that they don’t care. They may be praying regularly for the ones who are being hurt.
I feel strong compassion for the homeless. But every homeless person is different in their reasons for being homeless and attitude toward it. Some can be helped – and we should. Some don’t want help, and some don’t need our help.
O Lord, I pray for your mercy on those who are abused, those who are mistreated, for those who are homeless, those who live in poverty. Help me have your sense of compassion and to be willing to do what I can to help any who need help. Keep me from being judgmental toward those who do not act or react the same way that I do in every situation. Even more importantly, help me (like Jesus) to have compassion on those who do not know you or serve you, even those who reject you and refuse to turn to Jesus. In his holy name I humbly pray.
Robert
