Anchor Devotional
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Our Appointed Time
“The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” Psalm 102:19-20
Psalm 102—about as dark as any psalm—starts with the cries of a desperate man. He feels his life is vanishing like smoke. His bones burn within him; his heart is like withered grass. In his despair, he forgets to eat until he is merely skin and bones. And the list goes on!
There was a reason for his distress. It was because God’s anger and indignation had come down hard on him (see v. 10). But look closely at what the man did when God’s own hand was rebuking him. He remembered that God had promised mercy at an appointed time. “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come” (v. 13).
There is an appointed time for mercy in Christ, ultimate mercy, wholeness, and restoration! Right in the middle of all the trouble sin has brought into our lives, any one of us can cast ourselves on God’s promise here. When you are groaning, turn your thoughts to the fact that the God who made you listens and has compassion for you. Your days have been appointed by Him in His deep love for you.
Written by Tim McCracken, Regional Director for Metanoia Prison Ministries, San Joaquin Valley, CA, reminding many brothers in Christ of the Lord’s appointed times.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Exodus 27-28
INSIGHT
Psalm 39
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Luke 3
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