Scripture
17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
18 Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
Reflection
In this psalm the author prays that the Lord would restore and save Israel. The psalmist lamented the awful calamity brought on them by their enemies. He described the blessing and cursing of the nation as a vine that flourished and was then destroyed. He repeated the refrain (vv. 3, 7, 19) that God should turn and save them.
As we continue to read the Bible, we read how God hears the prayer of the psalmist and saves the nation of Israel and extends that gift of salvation to all mankind. But, like the nation of Israel, you might find yourself in a place where you once flourished but due to various reasons, you feel like you are struggling.
But there’s hope.
Not only are we entering into a new year, but you can also enter into a new life with God. Surrender all your pride, your sin, and your sense of self-control to God. Allow Him to save you and to rescue you. Allow Him to redeem you so that you can flourish once again.
Thoughts for the day
- Do you need to surrender an area of your whole life to God so that you can flourish?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pause and acknowledge God’s presence wherever you are at this moment.
