March 5
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PSALM 79 LET YOUR COMPASSION COME SPEEDILY LORD
8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! 10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes! 11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die! 12 Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord! 13 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. – Psalm 79:8-13
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LET YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS COME QUICKLY LORD! by ILMA
Lord, do not take against us the sins of our past
Instead, let your lovingkindness come quickly to us
For the sake of your glory, compensate for our sins
Only your mercy can deliver us from this and win.
Lord, have compassion on your faithful servants
Deliver us from all those who mock and taunt us
Help us, O Lord, so your name will be honored
Let the death of those who serve you bring you glory.
Let the groanings of those who are suffering reach you
Let all the prisoners come before you and be assured
Enlighten all those who struggle to live and see truth
Give them wisdom to focus their eye only on you.
We give you thanks for all your steadfast love and mercy
Let us never stray from your path and rescue us quickly
Each time we fall, let your Spirit correct us and lead us back
Give us grace to love others and never ever go astray.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist emphasize the importance of recounting God’s deeds in our lives and pass it on from generation to generation?
• Why is thankfulness an essential part of worship?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 79 HOW LONG O LORD WILL YOU BE ANGRY?
March 4
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PSALM 79 HOW LONG O LORD WILL YOU BE ANGRY?
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.2 They have given the bodies of your servant to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms
that do not call upon your name! 7 For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation. – Psalm 79:1-7
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HOW LONG WILL WE WAIT FOR YOUR RESCUE? By ILMA
O Lord, your people have been invaded by many attackers
They have enslaved your people and have dishonored your temple
These evil conquerors have treated your faithful servants like dirt
They have fed their bodies to the birds and beasts of the earth
Many lives have been taken and blood streams from their death
No one even gave them a decent burial, but made to rot instead
Your people have become a taunting matter to other nations
Mockery and ridicule abound in the midst of all these adversities.
O Lord, we look forward to your deliverance and justice
How long Lord will you bring us justice and put an end to this?
How long, O Lord, will your anger continue to burn like fire?
When will you save us from their obsession to terminate us?
You promised deliverance and justice to your people
O Lord, please come to our rescue and end these evil
Why don’t you revert your anger to these unbelievers?
Lord, we plead you to grant us mercy and to be delivered.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Asaph’s question was more on “How long will your anger last?” instead of “Why is this happening to us?” What is the big difference with the how long and the why questions?
• When was the last time you pleaded God to deliver you from some situations or someone who was oppressing you and what was the result of such prayer?
PSALM 116 WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD?
March 3
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PSALM 116 WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO THE LORD?
10 I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;11 I said in my alarm, “All
mankind are liars.” 12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,14 I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his
saints. 16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
– Psalm 116:10-19
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I LIFT UP MY LIFE TO YOU LORD by ILMA
O Lord, you have done so much for me all these time
You have pulled me out of the pit and saved my life
How can I show you gratitude for all you’ve done?
You provided me a clean slate when you gave us your Son
You formed and watched me in my mother’s womb
And considered me precious; the apple of your eyes
Help me to commit to you without any compromises
Tell me how I can accept and look up to your promises
Give me the courage to resist evil and walk in freedom
Help me to keep my eyes focused on your kingdom
O Lord, I am your servant, show me how to honor you
Cleanse me from all sinfulness, so I can walk in truth
Lead me to a life of willingness to suffer all adversities
O Lord, forgive me for failing to live up to your ideals
Grant me mercy to be the person you created me to be
Deliver me from all unrighteousness and grant me mercy
How can I truly live in your grace and steadfast love?
I praise and thank you for everything else that I have.
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REFLECTION
• Since we know there’s nothing we can repay God for all the things he has done for us, why is it important to ponder on how we can glorify and praise him daily for all that we possess?
PSALM 116 CALL ON THE LORD AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
March 2
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PSALM 116 CALL ON THE LORD AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.2 Because he
inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling; 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
– Psalm 116:1-9
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I CRY OUT TO GOD AND HE HEARD ME by ILMA
My Lord, you are my all, the reason why I live
I cry out to you and you answered me without fail
When I am surrounded with people who judge me
You protect me and guard my heart from offenses
During this time of much illnesses and pandemic
You made sure I was shielded from its effects
I cry out to you to help me fulfill my calling
Though many forces attack, I continue to persist
You have preserved the simple and favor the humble
Thank you for blessing the weak, vulnerable and the lowly.
My Lord, you are gracious, righteous and merciful
You haven’t denied me pardon when I am weak and sinful
Each time I confess, you easily forgive my transgressions
You have freed me from many lies and all kinds deceptions
Lord, I love you so much, you are the source of life
I cry out to you to reveal yourself to all the blind
Strengthen me Lord as I shine the light you gave me
Do not let me give up when things seem overwhelming
I will walk with you my Lord amidst this corrupt world
I will lean on your grace and meditate constantly on your word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for all believers to cry out to God?
PSALM 103 THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
March 1
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PSALM 103 THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD TO THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s
children,18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
– Psalm 103:13-22
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BLESS THE LORD FOR HIS COMPASSION by ILMA
Like a father would show compassion to his children
God shows empathy and love to those who fear him
He knows us inside and out; he made our entire being
Be assured of his steadfast love that is everlasting
Man’s life is like a mist, it’s here now and gone next moment
But God’s steadfast love and mercy, that’s what we can count on
He blesses all those who love him and all their descendants
He promises all of his children’s children, the same inheritance.
Praise the Lord, all you angels and all those who love his word
Those obedient ones, hosts and ministers, and all who combat this world
Praise and bless the Lord for he has showered you with love and compassion
Worship only the one true God all you believers, show that you have passion
Offer your mind, body, soul and spirit to the One who gave us all
It’s the only way you can defeat the works of Satan that causes you to fall
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and your entire mind
Wear God’s armor and your new nature to avoid sin and being blind.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David only reproved those who are angels, mighty ones who do his word, hosts, ministers and all who does his will to bless the Lord, why not anyone?
PSALM 103 BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL
February 28
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PSALM 103 BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:1-12
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I BLESS THE LORD WITH MY ALL by ILMA
I bring honor and praise to the Lord God Almighty
I give my mind, body, soul and spirit to the Holy One
He forgives all my sins and wrongdoings when I repent
He cleanses my entire being and prevents my defeat
The Lord heals all diseases and brings contentment
He alone can fill my heart with joy and fulfillment
He always operates in equity; he delivers the oppressed
He rescues the weak and gives them hope and strength.
He makes himself known to all who come close to him
He hears all my thoughts, prayers and pleadings
The Lord is slow to anger and abounds in mercy
He is full of compassion and gives generously
He does not punish my sin as I deserve; he is gracious
Because of his steadfast love, our transgressions he removes
I bless the Lord with my all, he alone is worthy of praise
My Lord is my life; I will be lost without his grace
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think David addressed himself to bless the Lord in this psalm?
• How should we praise and worship the Lord according to this psalm?
PSALM 37 WAIT FOR THE LORD AND KEEP HIS WAY
February 27
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PSALM 37 WAIT FOR THE LORD AND KEEP HIS WAY
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. 32 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. 34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. – Psalm 37:30-40
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THE FATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED by ILMA
The Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises to all who love him
He delights in the righteous because they speak only of wisdom
The holy people of God ensures that justice prevails
They care for others who are abused and oppressed
The faithful saints wait on the Lord and follow his way
The Lord assures them of deliverance, mercy and grace
They will get an inheritance of the land that God promised
The fruit of the Spirit abounds in them and they will prosper.
The wicked prowls and watches for opportunities to kill the righteous
But the Lord never abandons his saints or leave them helpless
All the evildoers will be altogether destroyed, they have no future
The only thing they can expect is God’s wrath and be cut-off
Because the Lord only upholds the upright man, they will be done
No matter what evil schemes they plot against the holy ones
It will not succeed, instead, they will fail and will revert back to them
The wicked will not stand in the judgement, they will all perish in the end.
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REFLECTION
• Why is staying hopeful, being patient while we wait on the Lord and staying in his way all necessary especially in our very corrupt world today?
PSALM 37 TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD
February 26
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PSALM 37 TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD
20 But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures;
they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; 22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit
the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; 24 though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. 27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. 28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. – Psalm 37:20-29
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THE LORD NEVER FORSAKES HIS SAINTS by ILMA
The ways of the wicked are like smoke; they vanish
They will not stand long when God executes his justice
Those who are evildoers manipulate others to get
The righteous on the other hand blesses and gives.
Each man’s steps are established by the Lord
He gets lost and fails when he follows the world
But those who walk in the Spirit, delights in Him
When they fall, the Lord pulls them up and defends them.
For as long as I can remember, God never forsakes his saints
They are well provided for and never gets hungry and desolate
The wicked are cut off from enjoying a life that is peaceful
They are preoccupied with worry, anxiety, control and power.
Turn away from all wickedness and do good instead
For the Lord is full of steadfast love, grace and mercy
He hates all wickedness, but takes delight in righteousness
Forsake all the ways of the flesh and turn from darkness.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can a believer stand on the promise that God never forsakes his saints when he or she is surrounded by suffering, pain and all kinds of troubles?
PSALM 37 THE HERITAGE OF THE BLAMELESS REMAINS FOREVER
February 25
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PSALM 37 THE HERITAGE OF THE BLAMELESS REMAINS FOREVER
10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. 12 The wicked plots against the righteous and
gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; 19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. – Psalm 37:10-19
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LEGACY TO THE MEEK by ILMA
Much promises are handed down to the humble in spirit
The wicked may appear that they are in control and winning
The Lord laughs at such evildoers, he knows their ending
Though it seems wickedness prevails and is thriving
The Lord promises a legacy to all those who are meek
He will take care of them on days of hunger and famine
God promises them an abundance of peace and provision
Though they may have little conveniences and possessions.
The Lord himself will protect and deliver the meek from this world
He will punish these sinners by slaying them with their own swords
The weapons they use to hurt the humble will pierce their own hearts
The Lord will end the shame that they inflicted on all his children
Be still all you meek children of God; the Lord keeps his promises
Be patient, be still and endure all your sorrow and suffering
The Lord upholds the righteous and breaks the arms of the wicked
Look forward to the legacy you are about to receive when you stay humble.
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REFLECTION
• After hearing the legacy to the meek in this psalm, what can a believer do to endure all the injustice and oppression they experience from the wicked?
PSALM 37 BE NOT ENVIOUS OF WRONGDOERS
February 24
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PSALM 37 BE NOT ENVIOUS OF WRONGDOERS
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. – Psalm 37:1-9
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FRET NOT YOURSELF, IT LEADS TO EVIL by ILMA
When things are complicated and hard, fret not
Give up control so you can let go and stop
When you are surrounded by wickedness
Trust in the Lord, and remember his faithfulness
Be passionate about the Lord and the truth from his word
He will reward you with the desires of your heart
Submit and align your life to God’s will
You will receive his promises if you keep still.
Wait patiently and do not be anxious if others prosper
They may not be following his precepts and God’s order
Let go of all envy, jealousy, anger and rage
It only leads to other sins and God’s wrath
Worry and anxiety are the works of those who have no faith
Fretting over things exposes the state of your mind and heart
It demonstrates that you do not want to let God be in control
Fear and anxiety separate us from our merciful and gracious Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist warns us of envying evildoers? What does that show when we long for what wicked people have?
• How is anxiety, fear and worry a manifestation of mistrusting the Lord?
• How can you constantly delight yourself in the Lord?