Devotional for March 17

St. Paul's UMC - Louisville, Kentucky

Read Psalms 79-81

 

Psalm 79 (New Living Translation)

¹ O God, pagan nations have conquered your land, your special possession. They have defiled your holy Temple and made   Jerusalem a heap of ruins. ² They have left the bodies of your servants as food for the birds of heaven. The flesh of your   godly ones has become food for the wild animals.

³ Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem; no one is left to bury the dead. ⁴We are mocked by our neighbors, and object of scorn and derision to those around us.

⁵ O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? ⁶ Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you— on kingdoms that do not call upon your name. ⁷ For they have devoured your people Israel, making the land a desolate wilderness. ⁸ Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair.

⁹ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. ¹⁰ Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, “Where is their God?” Show us your vengeance against the   nations, for they have spilled the blood of your servants.

 ¹¹ Listen to the moaning of the prisoners. Demonstrate your great power by the saving those condemned to die. ¹² O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times for the scorn they have hurled at you. ¹³ Then we your people, the sheep of your       pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.