Friday, June 24
Champion your cause!
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7-8, Psalm 74, 1 Timothy 4
Psalm 74:1–2
1 Why have you rejected us forever, God?
Why does your anger burn
against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember your congregation,
which you purchased long ago
and redeemed as the tribe for your own possession.
Remember Mount Zion where you dwell.
Psalm 74:22
22 Rise up, God, champion your cause!
Remember the insults
that fools bring against you all day long.
Observation
The psalms express every human emotion. This psalm expresses despair over the destruction of the temple and the oppression of God’s people, and it is a prayer for deliverance. Why? Remember. Rise up. Champion your cause!
Application
I feel these emotions as I pray over different situations.
For example, I pray for an end to the war in Ukraine. I can’t imagine the suffering there. Rise up God, champion your cause; put an end to this violence, let justice prevail.
I feel this over the culture of gun violence in our nation. My heart hurts every time there is another mass shooting. Rise up God, champion your cause. End this violence. Let your kingdom come.
I feel this when I’m listening to pastors who have had a very difficult last few years and are weary and discouraged. Their churches have been hurt by Covid and by divisions over politics, race, masks and vaccinations. Why, Lord? Remember us, and rise up and champion your cause.
I feel this when I pray for friends who are struggling with mental or physical illness, some of them fighting for their lives. Remember them, Lord, help and heal them. Rise up and champion your cause.
Praying the psalms can help us express our feelings to God. And they remind us that it’s ok to express those feelings. God wants it and welcomes it.
Prayer: Lord, remember us; have mercy on us; and rise up, God, and champion your cause!
Pastor Joe, I feel thee same way when it comes to praying for others. There is no rhyme or reason for human suffering. But I know that following Christ will not be an easy one. When I fought cancer (twice), i was so fearful and alone. But once I gave myself to the Lord, my life changed in so many ways, I asked myself, ” why it took me so long to accept him in my life”. He is my savior and he alone raised me up to believe and trust in Him only. No matter the challenges, I pray i do not fail him again.
Thank you Pastor Joe. Many Blessings