“Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God.” (Psalm 83:9-10)

We witness in this world those who want to be in the place of God. They thrive for a while, but they too will end up in dust as we all must. Who can ascend to the throne of God and who is like the Most High? Do not be deceived by the rulers of this age, for they simply take for themselves what is God’s and tempt people to worship them. Come to the Lord of all and walk in the truth.

Lord, I have fallen into the temptation of thinking more highly of those around me than of You. Guide me, O Lord, to walk humbly before You that I would live in a right relationship with You who is the Creator of all things. Lead me in the way You would have me go that I may do what is pleasing in Your sight. Help me to see clearly those who are wicked and would push You aside.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us many things about those who seek to replace You with themselves. Guide me, O Lord, to know that only in You is the hope of eternity. Lead me in the way You would have me go that I may forever abide in You, knowing that You are abiding in me. You alone are King of kings and Lord of lords and there is no other. May I walk humbly with You today. Amen.

“Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera and Jabin at the torrent of Kishon, who were destroyed at En-dor, who became as dung for the ground.” (Psalm 83:9-10)

In our cries, we have specific things we want done. There are those who come against us and we want them to meet justice. Yet everything is in the Lord’s hands and must be done as He would direct. Yes, the Lord will wreck vengeance upon those who rise up against Him. He will lead His people in the ways of righteousness. Come to the Lord and see His goodness and mercy.

Lord, I see things and want results that I can understand. Faith, however, requires that I trust You above all things. In my heart there is a battle between what I see and the trust I need to have. Guide me into Your arms of mercy knowing that all things have always been in Your hands. Guide me in the way of truth that I may humbly walk with You in every circumstance knowing that all things are in Your hands.

Lord Jesus, You have told us that the nations will rise against each other and that there will be wars and rumors of wars, but that in the end it will be You who calls all out of their graves to meet You face to face. Everything has its purpose and You are the author and finisher of my faith. Lead me in the faith You have given me that I would walk humbly with You my Lord. Amen.

“For they have conspired together with one mind; against You they make a covenant: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have become a help to the children of Lot.” (Psalm 83:5-8)

The children of the world, though they be enemies against each other, band together to conspire against the Lord. All of the wickedness of the ages is simply a repeat of the same thing in a different time and a different place. Those who practice wickedness will be destroyed. Yet, for a time it shall seem as though they have power. But God is Sovereign over all things and no one is able to thwart His will.

Lord, I do not understand the perpetual wickedness of the world. Yet for your purposes it has remained in this age of rebellion. Guide my heart to look to you knowing that all power and authority is in Your hands and that this age of continuous rebellion will one day cease. Help me keep my eyes upon Your salvation and my feet on the path of righteousness for Your Name’s sake.

Lord Jesus, You came into the middle of a rebellious time when people were stirred up. In that age it seemed as though Rome would always rule, but they fell. Help me see that You save amidst the turmoil and that no people that raise their heel against You shall prevail. Lead me this day in the way You would have me go that I may abide in Your presence now and forever. Amen.

“They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” (Psalm 83:3-4)

Ultimately, the wicked ones seek to destroy the faithful. Though they may not think of it in these terms, those who rise to power do not want faith to reign. Instead of freedom, they want tyranny, with themselves at the top. The Lord has promised to uphold the faithful and heaven and earth will pass away, but those who are in the Lord are forever. The name of the Lord is remembered.

Lord, when I am troubled and think the world mad, I wonder if the end is near. Times and seasons are in Your hands and only in You is there true hope. Keep my eye upon the prize, the joy of Your salvation, that I may simply abide in You this day and every day knowing that You are abiding in me. Lead me through all the troubles of this world to simply and humbly seek You.

Lord Jesus, it was as troubled in Your day as it has been any day since, yet many years have gone by. You have provided the way for us to walk. Humbly guide me in the way I should go no matter the circumstances that I would forever hold fast to the truth of Your Word. Lead me in the righteousness You grant by grace and help me now and always to hold fast to Your Word of truth. Amen.

“O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves.” (Psalm 83:1-2)

The world gets into a mood and there is an uproar. Nations rise up and have at each other and there is mayhem. Your hand has been there, yet your will declares that nation shall rise against nation. Keep your faithful steadfast in the greater war that they may not be overcome by the wickedness of the true adversary. Humble the proud and lift up the lowly that Your righteousness would prevail.

Lord, the world has gone through seasons and at any point there is a war somewhere. Amidst all the pain and death, speak to Your people that we would not abandon the only hope, which is You. Guide those who are and will be people of faith to focus on the greater things. Lead us through whatever may come into the righteousness You give through our Savior.

Savior of the world, You have spoken and told us that there would be tumult, wars and nations rising against each other. We live in the moment and panic. Calm our hearts to see once again that what You have given us is more than enough. Lead me this day to be a peacemaker amongst those with whom I dwell that I may hold fast to You in doing the Father’s will. Amen.

“Nevertheless you will die like men and fall like any one of the princes.” Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.” (Psalm 82:7-8)

No matter the life we live, all fall under the condemnation of sin, which is death. Even the Savior subjected Himself to death. But death is not the final answer. The final answer is the One who saves. When death comes, the great equalizer puts to rest the rebellion. The Lord has judged the world already. Those who come to Him by His grace receive the gift He gives in salvation.

Lord, I look at the world and think in terms of the moment. I want justice and yet I am one who has also done injustice. Lead me to see simply that You are the One who holds all things in Your hands. You have revealed all that we need to know by appearing amongst us to carry upon Yourself our sins and the rebellion of this world. Under Your provision, lift me up with You.

Lord Jesus, Savior of us all, guide me in the salvation You have brought into the world. Guide me in the way You have established. Judgement is already upon the world and I see the recompense of the wickedness that rules this age. Lift me up to see the goodness You have unleashed that I may humbly walk with You, my Lord and my God. Amen.

“They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, “You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High.” (Psalm 82:5-6)

People walk in ignorance. To intentionally ignore is to remain ignorant. The message of the Lord is there, but it is ignored and excuses made. Many walk in the darkness of this age. The Lord has created us in His image to dwell with Him in eternity. We have been called in His mercy to walk with Him in the light of His countenance. He has toppled the wickedness of those walking in darkness.

Lord, You are all around and speak in many and various ways, but in these last days, You have spoken through Your Son. The world spends its time being busy and ignoring the upward call You have given through Your Messiah. You will make of us what You will make of us. You are the Lord, creator of all things. Lead me into the light You have shown that I may be Your child of light.

Jesus, You are the light of the world. As many as believe come into the salvation You have brought into the world. Lead me this day into Your light that I would live as one called to be Your brother. In the mystery of faith that You have revealed, grant me eyes to see and ears to hear the call You have given me and empower my feet to walk in the way You have shown Your disciples. Amen.

“Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4)

Lord, You are righteous; and there are those in this world whose hearts are filled with wickedness. Lead Your faithful to protect the weak and fatherless that they may have the opportunity for goodness and mercy. Grant those placed in authority hearts that protect the innocent and hold fast to what is good and right. Keep the people in safety and lead Your faithful to be bold to protect the weak.

Lord, in this world there is much injustice. Amidst those crying for justice are those who are led by wicked people, manipulated to promote injustice in the name of justice. Grant us eyes to see through the devilishness of this age that Your faithful people would simply do what is right and fitting as they are able. Grant wisdom to those who will listen that Your justice prevail amongst the people.

Lord Jesus, You are the answer to the injustice of this world. Guide me in Your wisdom to do what You give me to do. Grant me a heart that trusts You first that I may not act upon my own heart, but always come to You knowing that You will lead me with Your righteousness. May I now and always trust that You alone are able to judge the hearts of others. You are Lord of lords. Lead me now and always, Jesus. Amen.

“God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” (Psalm 82:1-2)

Who knows all things but God? Who can rightly judge the reality of the heart but the Lord alone. Leaders are raised up to govern, but not to judge by anything other than what the law clearly stipulates. You and I do not know who is truly wicked or whom it is that, in desperation, act the way they do. The Lord will correctly judge all according to their heart. Come to the Lord and receive His righteousness.

Lord, I see things and make determinations based upon what I see. Help me take a step back and recognize that only You know what is in our hearts. Guide me to trust You in all things, knowing that You are in our midst. Lead me to discern right from wrong, but to be slow to act when dealing with others amidst things I do not know. You alone are the One who is able to determine the righteous from the wicked.

Lord Jesus, even amongst Your disciples there was Judas who betrayed You. By Your example, teach me to be wary of judging when I cannot know what is in the other’s heart. Let me not look at the outward things, but see to it that the judgement of the Holy Spirit upon my own heart is effective to move me ever more closely to You. Lead me this day according to the Father’s will to do what is good and right. Amen.

“I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries. The haters of Yahweh would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock.” (Psalm 81:14-16)

The life the Lord offers is a good life, both now and forever. Stand fast in the truth of the Lord and seek first His kingdom. Do not be satisfied with the pablum from the wicked, but the truth of the Lord which is forever. Stand fast in His mercy and know His goodness. He alone is able to satisfy the longing of every heart. He alone is forever and grants eternal life. Come to Him and see.

Lord, in this crazy world, I am often overcome by circumstances and dwell only in the moment forgetting Your promises. Help me to come out of my shell and live knowing that You are God. Guide me in Your goodness that I would walk with You in all of my ways. Lead me now and forever to come ever closer to being like the Savior, Jesus, that I would be one of Your children.

Lord Jesus, You have come bringing the power to become a child of the Heavenly Father. By Your grace alone can we overcome the sin of this world. Lead me in Your grace that I would be satisfied in the goodness of the Father. Create in me a new and clean heart that I would walk upright and humble in Your presence. Satisfy my heart with the good things You know I need. Amen.