A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 82

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 82
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God stands in the congregation of the mighty;
He judges among the gods (judges)
How long will you judge unjustly,
And show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the poor and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy;
Free them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:1-4).
 
Psalm 82 puts the spotlight on judges, those who are in a position of authority over others and make decisions that can impact their lives and futures. Psalm 82 also makes it clear that God is the Judge of all judges, and holds each one responsible and accountable to be fair, true, honest, impartial and righteous in their decisions.

We know that judges are not the only people who have authority over others and can make decisions that will influence or impact their lives and futures. Parents carry that responsibility, so do employers, bosses, executives, ministers, politicians, and teachers.

Each of us, as God’s child, has a God given place in His will, in His kingdom and for His glory. We may be in a place of authority, or under authority but we are all under God’s authority and can function in a way that pleases Him.
 
A prayer as you take your God-given place…

Lord, you are my hiding place, my dwelling place, my safe place, my secret place, my holy place, and my balanced place. Continue to teach me and instruct me to know Your perfect place for me in every choice I make, in every action I take, and in every word I speak.

RAISE UP A BARRIER to hinder me if I am pursuing a place you have not chosen for me;

BRING YOUR WISDOM to me if I am not understanding something about Your ways that needs clarity;

DRY UP ANY POOL I am drinking from that is not being fed by Your river; slow me down if I am going after something that is premature in Your plan for me;

TURN ME FROM ANY CONFIDENCE I am placing in anyone or anything that is taking my eyes off of You.

LORD, KEEP MY HEART FROM COVETING the place you have given others, and guard my heart from envying the ways You are using others. Help me to set my expectations upon You, and not upon the way I think things should be or want them to be.

LORD, SETTLE ME AND HELP ME take my place—not to run from it, or hide from it; not to fear it, or dread it; not to strive in it, or be anxious about it. Help me daily to know the contentment and the joy of serving You in Your appointed place.
Amen
 
 
Insight: The simplest way to function as a person who is under authority is to please the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth. His approval is all that’s needed.

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #Godgivenplace

©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
Restore, Renew and Refresh in the Psalms
Green Pastures. Quiet Waters. Righteous Paths.
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