You will rebuild the city of Zion.
Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

Yokohoma, Japan — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is cities.

Last year on this date we returned home to Canada after a three-week stay in Japan. One of the cities we visited was Yokohama. At the end of World War II, Yokohama like many Japanese cities lay in ruins due to the American bombing campaign. As you can see from the photo above, there is no evidence of that destruction visible today.

Today’s verse from the Psalms speaks about God rebuilding a city.

You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered (Psalm 102:16-17, CEV).

This verse reminds us that God gets behind rebuilding projects. He rebuilt the city of Zion after Babylonian invaders destroyed it. But God’s love is not confined to the people of ancient Israel. Through the mercy and redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s love is now available to all—to people of every nation under the sun.

God is in the business of rebuilding cities and broken lives.

Response: LORD God, the enemy has laid waste to areas of my life, my city and my country. But you are building a home of righteousness. I want to be part of your great building project. Amen.

Your Turn: Is there something that needs rebuilding in your life or community?