31 Days of Devotion, Day 9 by Allie Brown

Daily Reading: Psalm 137:1-9

Psalm 137 is a reminder to all Christians that life does not always go our way. True faith comes with surrender, sacrifice, and hardships. The Israelites had just endured a terrible war and have now been captured by their enemy. They witnessed death and destruction of their families and city. They are sad, angry, and filled with grief over their losses asking God to avenge them in a horrendous way. This Psalm shows our humanity, and how when we are down and hurt those feelings can overtake us. It reminds me of other times in the Bible that we see humanity in grief. Jesus weeping over Lazarus or shouting out on the cross asking God, why?

But there is hope and strong devotion in this Psalm. Their devout promise to not forget their beloved city of Jerusalem and God’s promise to all of us.

A piece of my heart will always be in Liberia and the people we love there. The country has endured its fair share of tragedies. From Civil Wars to the Ebola outbreak, it is still healing from loss and grief, much like this Psalm. But through the sadness, hope remains. You see it in the smiling faces of happy children. You see it in people getting the healthcare they deserve and need. You see it in all the beautiful faces devoting their time and talents to be His hands and feet. There is beauty in the ashes.

Daily Prayer
Dear Lord, we are grateful that you are not limited to geographical locations and that you do respond whenever people call upon you. Help us to remember to pray for those who are persecuted and isolated because of their faith. Show us how we can both learn from them and stand with them. Amen.