Protests & Prayers: God’s Word on InjusticeSample

DAY TWO: TRUST + ACT

Consider these two kingly prayers, Psalm 17 from King David and Psalm 72 from King Solomon. These kings of Israel prayed for a heart like God’s heart: a heart that loves justice, goodness, righteousness, and truth. 

As you read these prayers, consider the two themes of trust and action. Look at how both of these kings trusted God to bring justice.  They knew that God’s wisdom was better than their own, and they trusted God’s way to be right. But they also prayed that their own actions would be aligned with God’s way. They didn’t only pray, they also acted.

When we see injustice, violence, and evil in the world, do we have hearts like David and Solomon? Do we believe that God is the true King, the only one who can ultimately and perfectly rescue us from injustice? Do we believe that God is the true Judge, the only one who can know what is right and fair to do? We have to entrust ourselves and our world to God, especially when we see injustice. 

But we also are called by God, like Solomon was, to act for the cause of justice. God wants to give us eyes to see people who are oppressed, in need, and weak. God wants to teach us to count their lives as precious, to defend and rescue them, to treat them fairly, and to remove their oppressors. We protest injustice, and we pray with trust that God is still working among us.

God’s word calls us to trust in his protection, and to work for justice in our world. At Love Thy Neighborhood, we ask our team members to put their faith in God by seeking wisdom and help from the Holy Spirit and God’s word, and to put their faith into action by meeting the hurting and marginalized people in our city and caring for their physical and spiritual needs. With David and with Solomon, we know that God is calling us to both trust and action.

Reflection Questions:

Do I have eyes to see the people in my neighborhood, town, or city who are in need, physically or spiritually? Am I aware of and exposed to people who are oppressed, or is my life structured so that I am insulated from those experiences?

What injustice in my world is God calling me to make an impact on? What is the first step I can take towards working for justice?

How can I trust God more, regardless of the outcome of my work? Do I have a heart that believes God will make all things right in the end?