September 6, 2019 • Life for Leaders
The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
Psalm 9:15-16
Prayer:
Lord, as I read about the nations falling into the pit they have dug and the wicked being ensnared by the work of their hands, I think of the flood of news stories about people whose sins have finally caught up with them. Yes, for a while they thought they could get away with things immoral or illegal or both. But the day of reckoning finally came and their misdeeds were finally revealed.
As I look upon those who have been ensnared by their own evil works, help me not to gloat. May I remember the pain of those who suffered injustice at their hands, praying for restitution and reconciliation.
Moreover, may I honestly examine my own life. Am I digging a pit today into which I might fall tomorrow? Am I mistreating people in my workplace? Am I being less than honest in my financial reports? Am I reinforcing historic biases? Am I using my power to treat people disrespectfully?
Help me, I pray, to live and work so that your justice and righteousness are evident in all I do and say. May I honor you in every deed and every word. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day:
The Lord, who is known by his acts of justice, calls you to seek justice in every part of life, including your daily work.
Explore more at The High Calling archive, hosted by the Theology of Work Project:
Those Who Know Your Name Trust in You

Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders, and the founder of the De Pree Center’s Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative. Previously, Mark was the Executive Director of the De Pree Center, the lead pastor of a church in Southern California, and the Senior Director of Laity Lodge in Texas. He has written eight books, dozens of articles, and over 2,500 devotions that help people discover the difference God makes in their daily life and leadership. With a Ph.D. in New Testament from Harvard, Mark teaches at Fuller Seminary, most recently in his D.Min. cohort on “Faith, Work, Economics, and Vocation.” Mark is married to Linda, a marriage and family counselor, spiritual director, and executive coach. Their two grown children are educators on the high school and college level.