Love!

• 

# 52 2020 Dev. Psalm 102:17. Love! Read all of Psalm 102. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 102:17 “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 102 is a prayer as well as a lament seeking God’s favor. It appears to be a personal request for healing, he is “reduced to skin and bone,” he experiences what he feels is God’s rejection, he is alone. Today, this prayer could be prayed in almost any country of the world.

Vs. i-2, the Psalmist’s appeal, “when I call answer me quickly.” Vs. 3-11, he describes his condition, “My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I wither away like grass.”

Vs.12-17 In these verses he pivots to his faith and addresses God directly: “enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations”. You “have compassion, the appointed time has come.” The land is dear to God’s people as the God’s Kingdom is dear to the followers of Jesus. The Lord will rebuild Zion” as God will rebuild our lives. God “will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.” After much darkness we start to see light, God responds because of His compassion and loving kindness, God is always near His people, especially when we feel abandoned, he will not reject those who call upon His name. God is with us during this difficult time. Praise Him!

Vs.18-22, the Psalmist raises the issue of responsibility of teaching the next generation, “that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” They are to know that God ‘looked down’ and heard the ‘groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.’ That is what we celebrate at this time of the year, God’s Love, He sets us free from the chains of sin, and gives His life so that we may have eternal life. Praise the Lord!

Vs. 23-28, The Psalmist goes back to his personal prayer, he requests a long life. He praises God for His eternal reign and for His creation but points out the that human life is tentative and fleeting. Yet, God’s salvation is the bottom line in his prayer: “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” From darkness to light is the result of God’s love. Today we celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Today all we need to to do is to respond to His Love. Have a blessed Christmas!

© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved