Under Threat
Opening Prayer
Eternal Father, You are from everlasting to everlasting. In this constantly changing world, You are the forever God.
Read Psalm 83:1-18
[1] A song. A psalm of Asaph. O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. [2] See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. [3] With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. [4] “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” [5] With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you- [6] the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, [7] Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. [8] Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants. [9] Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, [10] who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. [11] Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, [12] who said, “Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God.” [13] Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind. [14] As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, [15] so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. [16] Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they will seek your name. [17] May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. [18] Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. 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
Read the first verse again, allowing God to stir your heart.The psalmist Asaph or one of his descendants is writing at a time when the nation of Judah is surrounded on all sides. Strong, heathen nations are looking on, ready to attack, forming an unholy coalition to destroy God’s people. They have plans (3) and have been plotting (4). Yet despite being in despair about what his nation faces, the psalmist still knows the power of God and is sure that his enemies will ultimately be destroyed. He calls for God to speak out (1), to show his power (13,15) and to bring them to shame (17). As members of God’s church we may feel that these words could have been written for us today! We often feel forced into a corner with the powers of materialism, secularization and discrimination against Christians closing in. We can easily fall into the level of desperation that forgets the power of God. Yet we know, and must keep declaring, that our God is “the Most High over all the earth” (18).
Apply
Do you feel engulfed by challenges, pressure or opposition? Ask God to enter into those situations and to keep you focused on him.
Closing prayer
Holy One, I long to experience deeper fellowship with You. Assure me again of Your saving grace through Jesus Your Son.
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