Depending on God

These were dark days for God’s people. They felt surrounded and overwhelmed. Violence seemed to be everywhere. They had “become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those around us.”

Facing overwhelming difficulties, the psalmist turned to God. He reminded Him that others had invaded His inheritance and defiled His temple. And he reminded God that His people were His representatives. And he cried out for God to act for the sake of His name. To grant them His favor, and to protect them from their enemies.

The psalmist asked God to “pour out Your wrath upon the nations which do not know You.” But then, the psalmist acknowledged that His people had some responsibility for their problems. For they had sinned, and their forefathers had committed iniquities. Truly, they had reaped what they had sown.

In a spirit of humility, he asked God for help. For Him to act out of love and compassion, and for the glory of His name.

These lessons apply to your life. Remember that you represent God in this world. You are in the midst of spiritual warfare. You can cry out to Him for His help, and ask Him to act for the sake of His name. But also search your own heart. Humble yourself before Him. Come before Him with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4).

And make sure that you depend only on Him. As He helps you, remember to thank Him and tell others of what He has done. Remember, you have been blessed that you might be a blessing.