PrayerBits for Tuesday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Tuesday

Scripture lesson: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Is God picking on me?

Time to reflect: In The first part of this the Psalmist expresses the feeling that God is picking on him, but then eventually puts the blame where it belongs (people) and expresses his confidence that God is actually his protector.

Moving through the day: Think about when you've thought God was picking on you (maybe now?) Think about how likely that is and whether the blame actually lies elsewhere (natural causes, other people, yourself?) . Pray verses 11-13

Scripture:

O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived ;
       you overpowered me and prevailed.
       I am ridiculed all day long;
       everyone mocks me.

  Whenever I speak, I cry out
       proclaiming violence and destruction.
       So the word of the LORD has brought me
       insult and reproach all day long.

  But if I say, "I will not mention him
       or speak any more in his name,"
       his word is in my heart like a fire,
       a fire shut up in my bones.
       I am weary of holding it in;
       indeed, I cannot.

  I hear many whispering,
       "Terror on every side!
       Report him! Let's report him!"
       All my friends
       are waiting for me to slip, saying,
       "Perhaps he will be deceived;
       then we will prevail over him
       and take our revenge on him."

But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;
       so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
       They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
       their dishonor will never be forgotten.

  O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous
       and probe the heart and mind,
       let me see your vengeance upon them,
       for to you I have committed my cause.

 Sing to the LORD!
       Give praise to the LORD!
       He rescues the life of the needy
       from the hands of the wicked.