Praying With Great Hope For Revival
By Rich Carmicheal
Scripture Reading: Psalm 90
The prayer of Moses in Psalm 90 provides great hope in the midst of the darkest of times. In the prayer Moses describes the sinful condition of the people and the justly deserved judgment of God upon them ”“ "For we have been consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath we have been dismayed. Thou has placed our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy presence. For all our days have declined in Thy fury…. Who understands the power of Thine anger, and Thy fury, according to the fear that is due Thee?” (vv. 7-9, 11). The situation certainly seems hopeless.
And yet, Moses has the faith to pray for spiritual awakening ”“ "Do return, O Lord; how long will it be? And be sorry for Thy servants. O satisfy us in the morning with Thy lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days Thou has afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil. Let Thy work appear to Thy servants, and Thy majesty to their children. And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us…” (vv. 13-17).
How could Moses have such faith and hope when God’s people had fallen so far from Him and His ways? Because He knew the Lord to be "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin…” (Ex. 34:6-7). Although the Lord had rightly judged the people for their rebellion, Moses knew it was the heart of God to forgive and to restore them. He did not base his prayer on the worthiness of man, but on the character of God.
What a beautiful thought it is that God can be sorry for the condition of His people, and return to them, satisfying them with His lovingkindness, making them joyous and glad. Moses’ prayer reminds us that no matter how terrible the situation, there is hope because of who the Lord is and because of the profound transformation that occurs when He draws near to His people in His majesty. May this prayer be our own, and may the Lord in His great mercy answer this prayer in our day for His glory!
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How thankful the Herald staff is to join together with you in looking to the Lord for spiritual awakening in these last days. We hope to hear from you soon!
Herald of His Coming
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Seelyville IN 47878 U.S.A.