Down but not Out
Opening Prayer
Jesus, let me rest deeply in You and find strength to follow You into the world.
Read Psalm 129:1-8
[1]A song of ascents. “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say; [2] “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. [3] Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. [4] But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” [5] May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. [6] May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; [7] a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms. [8] May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is Jesus saying to you today?The psalm looks back over Israel’s long history. The phrase “my youth” (1,2) is reminiscent of Israel as the Lord’s firstborn son being rescued from Egypt (Exod. 4:22; Hos. 11:1). Since their early days, enemies have treated Israel as a field to be ploughed for their own profit (3). The covenant Lord is righteous, and as He did at the exodus, he delivers his people (4).The mention of Zion (5) reminds us that it is God’s city, the location of his Temple, to which the pilgrims travel. To reject Zion is to reject God himself, and so the psalmist is confident that the enemy will fail. Their plowing will not produce lasting crops, just the equivalent of wispy blades of grass in the dust on the roof of a house (6). The psalm addresses us, too, as those who must endure tribulation (Acts 14:22). The way of faith has never been easy, but we trust in the promise of blessing (8) through all that comes our way.
Apply
Be prepared to face obstacles from those who oppose God. Know that God will prevail and will see that you prevail.
Closing prayer
Lord, I have no greater desire than to be found a friend of God. Let me find comfort in You when that costs me.
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