Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

The Afflicted and Poor

We have to face the truth every day that there is evil in the world. Bad things happen, bad people come out on top, and the weak and powerless are trampled on. As a large global community of teens from around the world, we each see evil lived out in different ways. Some of us live in countries that have rulers who make laws and decisions based on the evil in their hearts. Some of us live in areas where greed and hate result in mass starvation and poverty. Some of us see murders, thefts, and human trafficking. Our world is broken and we can feel powerless.

Psalm 140 is a prayer for protection against the evil things of the world. David lists the things he sees, and it all sounds pretty dark. But the Psalm doesn't end there. Re-read verse 12. David says, "I KNOW that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and will secure justice for the poor.”

That is our prayer today. If you live in a part of the world where you see evil and wickedness every day, pray for those who are afflicted. If you don't live in one of those areas, pray for your peers who do. Pick a place in the world where you know there is evil and pray for teens who are living there.

GO DEEP: Who are you praying for today?

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?