Daily Devotional for December 9, 2015
Psalms 68
Scripture:
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2 As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds–his name is the LORD–and rejoice before him. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Observation:
God did not intend for us to live alone. In fact, God referenced this when He created Adam in the Garden of Eden. However, every day thousands if not millions of people experience a sense of loneliness. This verse begins to give emphasis to this pain experienced by so many. Verses 5 and 6 express the heart of God toward those who have experienced loss or are alone. Here is what the Fire Bible study notes say about verse 5.
(Notes on Psalm 68:5) “The fatherhood of God is emphasized in both the OT and NT. God delights in protecting the weak, disadvantaged, oppressed, hurting, and lonely—particularly those who trust Him. If you feel alone in this world, you can ask God, as your Father in heaven, to put you under His special care and protection.”
As Spirit-empowered men we have a specific response to this message. For those who personally identify with this verse, we should follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring us into a family environment. For those who aren’t hurting, we must be aware of those who are. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, help those who are hurting—the fatherless, the widows, and the lonely—to connect to your local church. The church can and will serve as an expression of family for those who need it most.
Application:
- Personal Application: Spirit-empowered men will always lead in the things that matter most to the Lord. We have seen over and over how God cares for those who are hurting, defenseless, or in need. Be a leader in your church to help reach out to those who need it.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if any truths stuck out to them as you read. Talk about each one and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is listening to the Holy Spirit and being available to those who need it. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a good church, good friends, and to bring you into a family environment that honors God. If you are not alone, pray for the discernment to recognize those who are and the ability to reach out to them.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that each individual will experience the love, protection, and the comfort that God intended for the family environment.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, December 6 – Sunday, December 13:
- Sunday, December 6: Lamentations 4
- Monday, December 7: Lamentations 5
- Tuesday, December 8: Psalms 66-67
- Wednesday, December 9: Psalms 68
- Thursday, December 10: Psalms 69
- Friday, December 11: Proverbs 30
- Saturday, December 12: Proverbs 31
- Sunday, December 13: Acts 1
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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