Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 August 2024 (Friday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Deeply Loved, But God Deserted Us
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, expose me to your truth as I read your word in Jesus name.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 74:1-23
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
The Psalm explains the situation in Zion (vs.1-8), the things he could not see (vs.9-17) and things he ought to see (vs.19-23).
Read vs.1-8 and notice how the writer described the situation in Zion after the destruction. This Psalm reveals the anguish of one who is deeply loved by God and yet could not understand why God permitted such devastation and destruction. Israel was His flock and inheritance and mount Zion His dwelling place, yet He allowed men to destroy His people and His house. The Psalmist seems to ask, ‘why O Lord?’
Read vs.9-17 and notice some of the things we do not see about God? God is King, He sits on His throne forever (Psalms 46:10), But we often do not see Him working on behalf of the righteous. Read vs.8-9 again. What was the reason for God’s silence? One of God’s judgments is to leave His people without a word of guidance because they have refused to obey His will. God is reminded that His silence had made the enemy to reproach them and blaspheme His name.
What are God’s expectations for His people according to v.19? Truly the sins of the people caused the invasion of the enemy and the destruction of the temple. Asaph, as a faithful Jew, desired to see the defeat of the enemy and deliverance of the city and people. That would definitely come after God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:9-11).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
“Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!” (v.22, ESV).
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 3:20
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 215– 2 Chronicles 32-33
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Friday Aug 02, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
LONG VACATION CAMPS
I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day…
John 9:4
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The success of the previous long vacation camps and the opportunity to reach out to children and youths.
PRAY FOR:
‣ The ministers to function under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
‣ The manifestations of the power of God to save, heal, deliver and transform the campers.
‣ Grace, strength and power of the Holy Spirit for direction for the LOC/ camp officers.
‣ Abundant provisions, safety and God’s presence to fill the camps.
PRAY AGAINST:
‣ Every plan and operation of the powers of darkness