Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. But I, when they were sick-- I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth. How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! I will thank You in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise You.
Lord, as I read these verses, You bring to mind my responsibilities towards those who are suffering and afflicted. How do I, or how should I grieve and mourn? Pray and lament? You have filled my life in the last few years with the sick, broken, hurting, dregs of society, and You’ve told me to lament, mourn and pray for them. You teach me to see them as You see them, to love them as You love them, to be Your agent of reconciliation and restoration for them – not for my glory, Lord, but Yours.
So, I need teaching and humility. Both! Lead me in the path of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Lead me into Your wisdom, give me Your priorities, show me where to apply the strengths and gifts You give me to the needs of those You have brought me to serve.
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