Devotionals for July 26, 2022
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READ
PSALM 58:1-5
1 Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word?
Do you judge the people fairly?
2 No! You plot injustice in your hearts.
You spread violence throughout the land.
3 These wicked people are born sinners;
even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.
4 They spit venom like deadly snakes;
they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
5 Ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,
no matter how skillfully they play.
1 Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word?
Do you judge the people fairly?
2 No! You plot injustice in your hearts.
You spread violence throughout the land.
3 These wicked people are born sinners;
even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.
4 They spit venom like deadly snakes;
they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
5 Ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,
no matter how skillfully they play.
REFLECT
“Rulers” - that’s us. Most of us do not hold a career as a politician or a courtroom judge, but every time something becomes a cultural talking point, we easily put ourselves in place of the judges.
In this Psalm, and throughout scripture, it’s clear the source of the violence and injustice spoken of is not out there in the world but is in our own hearts. That’s not to say we only focus on the heart when we deal with issues of violence, but it is important to know how deep the issue we’re dealing with is.
In this Psalm, and throughout scripture, it’s clear the source of the violence and injustice spoken of is not out there in the world but is in our own hearts. That’s not to say we only focus on the heart when we deal with issues of violence, but it is important to know how deep the issue we’re dealing with is.
APPLY
Q: How is injustice specifically described in this Psalm? How are people born? Just and right, or sinners who lie from birth?
Q: When confronted with standards and issues given to us by the world and culture, do you examine your own heart and bias before stating justice or opinions?
Q: How often do you weigh your thoughts and opinions against scripture before you say them or share them? Are you trying to let other people know your stand on hot topics based on feelings that come from a heart that plots injustice, or the Word of God that brings life and freedom?
Q: When confronted with standards and issues given to us by the world and culture, do you examine your own heart and bias before stating justice or opinions?
Q: How often do you weigh your thoughts and opinions against scripture before you say them or share them? Are you trying to let other people know your stand on hot topics based on feelings that come from a heart that plots injustice, or the Word of God that brings life and freedom?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Father, we ask that your will and heart be the one that we follow and proclaim. That your will for your people takes priority over our own desires and that our heart comes into alignment with yours. Bring your kingdom to earth so that we may live according to your perfect will. Amen.
Father, we ask that your will and heart be the one that we follow and proclaim. That your will for your people takes priority over our own desires and that our heart comes into alignment with yours. Bring your kingdom to earth so that we may live according to your perfect will. Amen.