PEOPLE PROBLEMS

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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People Problems

Have you ever thought that the world would be an absolutely beautiful and peaceful place if it weren’t for all the people in it? 

Ministry leaders have a version of that saying that goes, “I love the church with all my heart, it’s just the people I struggle with.” 

While that is said in jest (mostly) we all know what it feels like to be hurt and damaged by others in this life. As Christ followers we live in the tension of our calling to show God’s love to all people and our own desire to protect ourselves and our hearts from those who seem to delight in bringing drama and pain into our lives. 

Tension

In the Psalm that follows we hear an expression of the tension between our calling as ambassadors of God in a dark and broken world and our righteous anger against those who seem to delight in bringing pain and misery into the world. 

As you read through this Psalm, listen to the way that praise of God for his goodness and righteousness impacts the way that the Psalmist deals with his pain and anger.

1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. 

2 You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. 3 When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. 4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. 5 Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. ’ ”

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. 8 In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. 

9 As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, 10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

(Psalms 75:1-10 NIV11)

Bookends

In this Psalm, the writer sandwiches his honest complaint between two thick layers of praise and worship of the Lord God Almighty. 

Before he pours out his desire to see the wicked either repent or find justice in God’s timing, he declares the truth of God’s true nature. The Lord is near to his people and worthy of praise for his wonderful deeds. 

Blessings

If you agree with the Psalmist that you too want to see the Lord bring an end to the wickedness and misery of this world, or if you are dealing with your own personal oppressors, perhaps you could also follow the example of the Psalmist. 

Are you willing to count your blessings before the Lord before you call fire down from heaven?

•  Name the ways that the Lord has shown you love and kindness.
•  Recount before God the ways that the Lord has intervened on your behalf. 
•  Sing praise to God for the way his Spirit cares for your heart and ministers to your deepest needs. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, your goodness toward me is unending. Knowing that you love me and want me to be with you for eternity is more than I can comprehend. I recount the truth of your Word and remember that you have called me to shine your light into this dark world. I am one of yours and together we are a city on a hill, shining your love into a world that needs you more now than ever. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.