February 23 - The Prayer of the Destitute

Today's Reading:
2 Kings 9:14-10:31
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 102:12-17 
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Focus Verses:
Psalm 102:15-17
15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. 16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. 17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Insight:
This Psalm is prefaced with the note: "A Song of an Afflicted Person who Has Grown Weak and Pours Out a Lament before the Lord." The lament is more that just a plea for personal help and relief; it's an expression of faith and longing for the world. The psalmist hoped for a day when all peoples, nations, and kingdoms would find truth and redemption in the Lord.

Response and Action:
There is no shortage of affliction and weariness in the world. I have more than enough in my own family, church, and community. Like the psalmist, my hope and faith are in the Lord. He can comfort the sorrows, remove all affliction, and strengthen those who are weary.

My lament and cries for help are directed to God—from the smallest problems of my own life, to the troubles of friends, the hardships of people in my church family, to the overwhelming conflicts around the world. I look for a day when a future generation and the whole world gather around the throne of Christ Jesus and find renewal in him.

O Lord, in your grace and mercy, incline your ear to all who are weary. Help us in our time of need. Renew us and save us from the things that afflict us. Give us the strength to persevere, and give us hope as we cling to your promises. Forgive us our sins and deliver us from evil. Make us vessels of your grace in a weary world. Though we are surrounded by so much suffering and hate, make us living witnesses of your saving and transforming love. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:  
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Resources:
Mobilizing Hope
by Adam Taylor