Psalm 9:17 “The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God.”
[Those who forget you, Lord, will be forgotten. You are the most important One in existence, the most significant Being in history, the most central Point of all the Universe.
How could we forget you–you who are the source of all good–and not be guilty of the fatal sin of unbelief (John 16:9)? You, O Lord, are worthy, not just of remembering, but of totally absorbing our attention, our affection, our adoration!]
Psalm 9:18 “But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.”
[You, O Mighty and Loving Heavenly Father, remember and watch over the needy–and we are all needy–you see each one, you care for everyone. You are the God of goodness, giving constant comfort to those who are hurting, support to those who are suffering, help to those who are hopeless. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).
I praise you that you are the God of hope, giving “joy and peace to those who trust in you so” our lives can “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).
In you, Lord God, there is all we need and desire: there is belonging, there is worth, there is meaning, there is purpose, there is a certain and positive future because you are moving history to a definite conclusion and taking us, your children, with you.
Help us to keep our eyes on you, Lord Jesus, to let go of what is temporal, to hold on to what is eternal and to rise above the turmoil and tragedy of life in a fallen world. Help us to remember that we are destined for a re-created and perfect world, where there will be no sin, no rebellion, no evil, no destruction, no tragedy. In the meantime, in you, Lord Jesus, we are safe, secure and can be satisfied, no matter what our situation may be. You are like the first breath of Spring after a winter of suffering.
Help us, Heavenly Father, to live out today this truth of your good guidance, your powerful protection, your plenteous provision and your perfect plan, by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving in every circumstance (Ps. 50:23). So that thereby we may honor you in faith and cooperate with you in obedience, being open to the help you will bring.]
