October 6

Let Them See Your Hand

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 109:16-31 | Jeremiah 6:15- 8:7 | Colossians 2:8-23 | Proverbs 24:26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 109:16-31

But you, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for your name’s  sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. [22] For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me

(Psalm 109:21-22 NIV). 

The psalmist finds himself in a difficult place. He describes his situation: “I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.” Beaten up by circumstances and, especially by people—accusers, he calls them— he fasts and prays and desperately seeks the Lord (23-25). But he hasn’t given up hope. He looks to the God of hope.

I was moved by one part of his petition especially. He prays that God will work in such a way that everyone will see that the hand of the Lord has done it: “Let them know it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it.”

I like that. It’s a prayer that looks for God to be glorified—for his name and reputation to be magnified. In essence, he prays, “God answer this prayer in such a marvelous way that everyone will know that you have done it. Let there be no doubt that your hand has accomplished this.”

That’s praying with faith. That’s praying with expectation. That’s the kind of praying that gets us through impossible circumstances (not to mention the grace to deal with difficult people). 

Heavenly Father, work in a way that shows forth your glory. Do something that will cause us to recognize your hand at work in this situation. Let others see your working and be drawn to know you.  Amen.