March 16, 2011

Psalm 60 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 8:18-39, Numbers 31-32

Journal Entry

Scripture

<...when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt>

1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.

Observation

Upon the great victory over the Edomites, David writes another instruction for the children of Israel to learn from, and initially I didn't quite understand why this Psalm begins by reflecting on the hardships he and his people went through. After reading some commentaries, though, I was able to connect the dots together...his heart of humility & devoutness to God.

Application

Much to be said about this prolonged ailing economy and how it's affected so many... I receive phone calls and emails with promotions on this and that, as this is definitely a time that requires creativity for almost everyone. But, as for me, it's much more than that, and I very much appreciate this opportunity to learn of David's heart through this passage. And as I learn to be humble and devout to our Lord, remembering that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6), I am also reminded of what's happened over in Japan, as in v.2.

Prayer

Father God, may what I learned through this passage remain in my heart as things do get better in many ways for me...
May your presence and love felt throughout the devastated land of Japan, as you bring healing and restoration to this nation in the name of Jesus Christ; may you especially empower Dr. K J Park, Tad Hara (my former colleague who is a devout believer, now a prof. in Japan), and many/all believers as they partake in the healing process...
In Jesus' name, amen.

--Julius Bhang