The Psalms have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long. Join me in taking a fresh look at each Psalm. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Psalms 82, 83, and 84.
Reflection 1
God cares for the poor, the fatherless, the oppressed, the lonely, and the needy. So should we. Many people all around us are hurting. Many need a hand-up and not just a handout. James tells us to care for widows and orphans. Jesus cared about and cares for the disenfranchised and forgotten. What can we do to care more for the poor, needy, and hurting? We can give, serve, care, pray, or volunteer. We can show compassion and empathy to those who are hurting and in need.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them.” — Psalms 82:3-4
Reflection 2
At first glance, these words seem accusatory and disrespectful. But after further contemplation, we understand them to be honest words from a concerned heart. We’ve all been there. We need God’s help. We pray, but we don’t hear anything. We don’t see forward movement. Improvement is elusive, but we’ve come to learn that, in those times, God is still working. He is not deaf. He hears and sees everything. He knows what’s best and He cares deeply. During those times of apparent silence, I’ve learned to be still. When things don’t improve, I’ve learned to trust. When circumstances are out of my control, I have come to know they are in His control. He hears. He cares. He knows. I must trust.
“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God.” — Psalms 83:1
Reflection 3
What is your view of God? If He is too small, you won’t ask Him for big things. If He is too busy, you won’t bother taking time to talk to Him. If He is mean and eager to judge you for your wrongs, you’ll probably stay away. If you believe, as the Bible teaches, that He wants to bestow favor and honor on you, you’ll come near. If you believe He is all-powerful, you’ll call out to Him. If you know He is always interested and available to hear from you and know you more, you’ll spend regular time in His presence. If you believe He is a loving Savior, you’ll cry out for forgiveness. How big is your God? How loving? How available? How good? How compassionate?
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” — Psalms 84:11-12