Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

God Loves the Nations

What is your favourite country that you have visited? What was your favourite place or thing you saw there? Is there a country on your heart because of the hardships they are going through? Maybe you’ve seen news reports about a place or people group and it tugged on your heartstrings? God loves the nations. He created each one. He made them unique with their own identities, amazing scenery, and diverse people. In this Psalm, the writer is reflecting on the sins of the nation. He doesn’t want God to punish us for the sins of past generations. They are truly in desperate need. He wants to see his people praise God from generation to generation.

Have you ever prayed for your country? Have you ever prayed for a country that is not your own? Have you ever prayed for a group of people who are different from you? God can use us as we
pray. He can also give us His heart for our nation when we aren't sure how to feel. He can help us bring His kingdom to earth, and we can be a part of His solutions to the issues in our country and other nations. God cares for the oppressed, the foreigner, the refugee, and the outcast. He wants us to pray on their behalf. He wants us to have compassion like the psalmist, who asks God to not hold anything against his nation. "Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation, we will proclaim your praise."

GO DEEP: Make a plan to pray for your country. Pray for the leadership and for the people struggling. Pray with your friends and your leader for your city and your community. Is there another country God wants you to pray for? Ask Him about it.

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