I love the dependence of the Psalmist here.  He starts in thanksgiving to God, remembering all God has done for them; then moves to petition asking God for restoration; then moves to anticipating salvation; then moves to hope.

How often do I find myself in this prayer filled flow where I need to recall all that God has done which reminds me of how far removed I have become from His will and purposes so I cry out for His restoration, His salvation and this again leads me to hope because I know the faithfulness of my Father in heaven.

I find this a natural flow in prayer and one that has enabled and empowered me often.  If you’re ever stuck in prayer then give it a go!!!

Father I want to thank You for Your faithfulness and love.  You are magnificent in all things and I come to You as the only hope of Salvation in every aspect of my life!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

The psalmist is clearly frustrated by the ever encroaching enemies of God. He wants God to act. To sort it. The enemies are listed as Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre, Assyria too,  and the descendants of Lot. Asaph then goes on to suggest ways for God to deal with these enemies. Asaph gets more and more worked up and does not mince his words! Ultimately the Psalmist wants God’s enemies to acknowledge that the Lord alone is God and that he is supreme in all the earth.

Most of us at some point would have said to the Lord something to the effect, “Lord can’t you hear what they are saying can’t you see what they are doing and how it is affecting a certain person, family, organisation, church etc. it can’t go on… do something!” This is the same sentiment Asaph is expressing and most of us “get it!” A very passionate call for God’s intervention so that those that oppose the Lord will come to acknowledge him as the one true God, supreme over all. Being a New Testament believer I’m not sure about wanting God’s enemies being utterly disgraced, blown away, terrified forever etc. It may be a therapeutic read at times but we are called to love our enemies. Not sure that God needs my suggestions on how to deal with his enemies either. What this psalm does encourage me to do is to pray, to cry out on behalf of those that vehemently oppose the Christian faith. To pray for revelation and that people would experience the goodness of God.

Dear Lord, we pray that those who do not yet know you will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth. Amen

Written by Ainslie Woods

What strikes me about this psalm are the things that God is calling his people to do in the first half of the psalm: These things are not difficult or onerous and seem like they would be joyful to participate in. Yet the people do not listen or obey and God mourns their disobedience.

Upon reflection, it becomes clear that these things are all worship- The thing that God really wants us to obey him in the most is to have all of our lives as worship! When I think about it, this sums up so many of the promises and commandments in the Bible for me. When I truly worship Him, obedience in all other areas becomes so much easier.

Lord help me to keep learning new ways of opening all areas of my life up in worship of You and help me also to be fully obedient in all areas of my life.

Written by Ps. Justin Ware

This psalmist talks of a physical enemy and the pain of the defeat and death and dishonour of real people – God’s people. As I live on this side of amazing grace (post Jesus dying for my sins and rising in resurrection power) – I’m trying to find a relevant connection for me as I read it.

I’m called to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me – but here the psalmist cries out for vengeance – payback!

2 things strike me

1. God’s amazing grace through Jesus absolutely changes the way I relate to God and to people
2. I have enemies – but they are not flesh and blood –
   1. they are powers are principalities (satan and his demons) and
   2. the echo of my old sinful nature – that once rebelled against God’s rule in my life

With these things in mind as I re-read the psalm I see a cry to God for justice and I am stirred to echo the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “May Your kingdom come may Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.”

Lord you have called me to love You and to love people. When I look around at the state of the world – there is much that requires Your justice. But I cry out to You not for vengeance or payback – I cry out to You for Your Kingdom to come here on earth – as it is in heaven – across the earth – across every nation. May Your kingdom come here in my life and in the lives of everyone one of us who call you Lord and may You establish Your peace and righteousness across the earth.

Written by Ps. Linda Quinn

What I see in this Psalm is the writer is struggling to see God at work at all in their life. I love the honesty and the determined seeking of God, even in the grief and distress. It speaks to me of real, biblical tenacity. But what catches my attention most is how the psalmist moves to meditating on the extraordinary works that the Lord has already done.

It would appear to me that when we are in the middle of a crisis of faith, there are two things we must do before God. Be completely honest about our distress, and then tenacious in remembering the mighty things God has already done for us. That builds faith – you can feel the faith build in the Psalm as the psalmist declares the good things God has already done.

Lord, I find it very easy to get stuck meditating on my difficult situation. This Psalm calls me to honestly express my distresses and worries to you…and then boldly and with deep tenacity remember all the good you’ve already done. Help me to form this as my constant practice in Jesus name.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh