Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 82:8
Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.
Does the world seem a little out of control these days? Maybe even a lot at times? Hearing, watching, and seeing a world that seems to favor the wicked can leave followers of Christ feeling helpless and complacent. However, we are not empty handed and we are certainly not powerless.
Psalm 82 reminds us not to give up, but instead to intercede in prayer on behalf of leaders and the people they help in our communities and around the world. It can feel at times that the wicked get their way, yet this psalm reminds us that no one is above God, even those who rule in earthly authority. Though the sin of the world is great, our God is still greater. The God of justice has spoken and we can take comfort in the Almighty One who presides over heaven’s court. God is in charge and one day all will be called into account before Him.
God presides over heaven’s court;
he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings:
“How long will you hand down unjust decisions
by favoring the wicked? (Psalm 82:1-2)
Our Mighty God misses nothing and we are reminded that every nation belongs to Him. We are His creation. God loves this world, so much in fact that He sent His one and only son to die for our sins. His compassion and mercy are incomprehensible at times. God is already on the move and this emboldens us not to shrink in the face of evil, but to pray boldly for our leaders and those in need. We can powerfully pray these verses today:
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people. (Psalm 82:3-4)
Praise God for authority figures who keep law and order and advocate on behalf of the innocent. We are all helpless in one way or another and God is our ultimate Defender. Praise God for godly men and women who fight, protect, and instruct us. These are not easy jobs and in our broken and sinful world, the needs are great.
The psalmist cries out to God,“rise up,”and we too can stand in prayer asking boldly for protection, deliverance, and integrity. Are we praying these prayers over our family today? For the weak and the oppressed?
Do we pray these prayers over men and women in positions of authority and shepherding? 1 Timothy 2:2 reminds us, “pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
Let us pray daily for our leaders (world, national, and local)—government lawmakers & elected officials, law enforcement, justice system, teachers, coaches, pastors & ministry leaders…the list goes on. Perhaps now more than ever Christian leaders need daily prayers for boldness and strength to uphold God’s law and truth. Let’s stand beside them as an army of prayer warriors. We start praying powerfully when we start praying specifically–so pray for them by name!
Who is one person in leadership that you can pray for today?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, teach me how to pray regularly for my leaders. Using Psalm 82 as my guide today I ask that you would give justice, uphold the rights, and rescue (insert name of person or people group in need) today. Help (insert name of leader or position)to bring justice, uphold rights, and rescue those they are helping today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK
Revelation 3:20- Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.