“May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.” (Psalm 71:13-14)

All accusers will be put to shame. They thrive for a while and are a continuous pest for the faithful, but they do not endure. We live in a time of heightened accusation. From the greatest to the least, they accuse; but look beyond to the One who came not to judge (for we all have fallen short) but to save. Come to the Lord and leave behind the ways of the world.

Lord, I too have accused and been caught up in the garbage of hatred masked as caring, masked as compassion that exploits others. Free me from the sin cycle of this world to build in me the eternal hope of life freed from sin, accusation, and curses in order to be a life of praise and thankfulness. Put me on the road You choose to walk in the way that would grow in me Christ’s likeness.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming to lead the way and guide me in Your way of salvation. Help me now and always to seek Your ways in spite of those around me who are playing the judgement game. Help me know that in You I have hope and a future and that these things of the world which engulf me are temporary. Turn my eyes to You, O Lord, that I would always hope in Your salvation. Amen.   

“May they be blotted out of the book of life and may they not be recorded with the righteous. But I am afflicted and in pain; may Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high.” (Psalm 69:28-29)

We do not understand why the Lord allows the wicked to remain and seem so powerful as they do what they do. It causes pain to those who look to the Lord. But do not those who look to the Lord do the same things? Are there any who are righteous? Only for he who turns to the Lord will He grant true life and liberty, but not until His salvation comes to fruition.

Lord I lament and look for justice, but forget that I too am a part of that equation. Guide me when I am angry, frustrated, upset or any other reaction to circumstance where I am simply demonstrating that I am powerless, and then heap my frustration upon You. Guide me, O Lord, to walk humbly with You in all circumstances knowing that You are Lord and King of all.

Lord Jesus, there are many things I do not understand, yet You are here in front of me, Truth itself. Lead me humbly to walk with You as You guide me through all the wickedness of this world, knowing that only in You is there hope and a future. Guide me according to the Father’s will that I would walk securely in Your grace and mercy as You lead to where You are taking me. Amen.

“Pour out Your indignation on them, and may Your burning anger overtake them. May their camp be desolate; may none dwell in their tents.” (Psalm 69:24-25)

In this world we often think in eye-for-an-eye terms. People hurt us and we want them hurt. Yet the ways of the Lord are good and right and fitting always, and this world is filled with sin. Those who go their own way walk on the wide road to oblivion. The appearance of prosperity will turn to a vapor with the passing of time. Only in the Lord is there a hope and a future.

Lord, I see things in the moment and forget not only Your promises but all of the good You have done for me. Help me, Lord, to see as You see and to know that all things are in Your hands and that You will provide over time all that needs to be done. In love, not anger, do You deal with us; for I too have been, at times, one who walked the path of desolation. Cause me to dwell in Your tents.

Lord Jesus, You call us to Yourself that we would walk with You, learn from You and become like You. You went to the cross, and yet it was not anger, but your love that shone forth. Lead me, O Lord, in the way I should go and then help me go that way, Guide me according to Your goodness to be lifted up into the way of thinking that would let me see Your hand at all times and in all things. Amen.