“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem – built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! ‘May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!’ For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” (v1-9)
David writes a fairly unique, yet powerful psalm that sets a strong and important example for us: praying for our people (the church), our city, and our nation.
David prays to God for peace and security for his/His people, knowing that God is the provider. David was a fairly wise man in most ways, fully relying on God for almost everything. His psalms show that he takes nothing for granted and values every aspect of his God’s character and provision.
David says it’s for the church’s sake that he seeks God (v9) – I find this interesting. David doesn’t seek God for his own benefit, but for the benefit of others. How true is that in my life? I suppose this makes sense for David who was king, but does that apply to me? Yes, it does.
Think about the Fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Who do those benefit – myself, or others? Primarily, those characteristics will benefit those around me more than they benefit me.
So, by seeking a deep relationship with God, we’re actually serving others more than we are serving ourselves. This aligns with the two greatest commandments – to love the Lord our God, and love others. By loving God and following Him we are naturally loving others, allowing His Spirit to love them through us.
My learning for today is to continue deepening my relationship with God, so in turn I can love others deeper as well (the Spirit within me can). I also need to be mindful of praying for others – my brothers/sisters in Christ, my city, and my world. We have an election this week – let’s pray for our nation and our future leaders for the sake of others, not just ourselves.
Father God, Lord of all creation we praise You. You have created each and every one of us in Your image, whether we choose to follow You or not. May You please be in the hearts of our future leaders, that they may honor and obey Your commands, even if they do not profess a faith in You. Would you please bring us leaders who will honor and glorify You, or at least not persecute You and Your followers. Father I ask for wisdom and discernment for the voters, that we would have eternity and our nation in our minds, not just ourselves and the next few years. We ask for the protection and security for Your people that only You can provide. Keep our eyes on You consistently, for we lose sight so easily in the midst of life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training