April 2
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PSALM 138
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name
for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar. – Psalm 138:1-6
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PSALM 138 THE HOLINESS OF GOD’S NAME & HIS WORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There is no other name above the name of the Lord
And there is only absolute truth in his word
Give thanks to the One whose name is above all names
Every knee will bow down to the most powerful of all names
Even all the kings of the earth will eventually bow down to him
No other gods have that power to cleanse the people from their sins
When we declare the name of the Lord our God, we triumph over evil
The holiness of his name will make every scheme of Satan defeated
The word of the Lord is true and righteous altogether
God’s word is alive and exposes every lie that we hear
It corrects us when we do wrong and gives us a way out
The word of God is the weapon against evil and is our sword
If you meditate on it day and night, it will destroy all bondage to sin
The holy word of God is the food for our souls, if we eat it we will live.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us never to take the name of the Lord in vain?
• What has the word of God done to transform your life?
• How can we develop a hunger for God’s word?
Category Archives: Psalm Blog
PSALM 137 LAMENT OVER THE ENEMY’S MOCKERY
April 1
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PSALM 137
By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there we hung up our lyres.3 For there our captors required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!
7 Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said,
“Lay it bare, lay it bare, down to its foundations!”
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock! – Psalm 137:1-9
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PSALM 137 LAMENT OVER THE ENEMY’S MOCKERY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I plead you to take notice of the enemy’s scoffs
They make fun of us and want us to defy our worship of you
Through our songs of praise and adoration, they mock us
They want to turn our worship of you into a performance
Do not allow the gifts you gave us to entertain their wicked souls
Expose it Lord, so everyone will see their schemes and ploys.
How long O Lord will you let these mockeries go on?
We only want to praise and glorify you alone
Give us grace to withstand their wickedness
Help us to be unstained by the world systems
Keep us strong to continue to exalt you, O Lord
Do not allow their derision to keep us away from your love.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think this community lament sounds very intense? What event was verse 8 referring to? Is it justified for the psalmist to ask God to punish the enemy?
PSALM 136 THE LORD REMEMBERS US IN OUR POVERTY
March 31
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PSALM 136
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
– Psalm 136:23-26
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PSALM 136 THE LORD REMEMBERS US IN OUR POVERTY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
There is no need to stress over what we are missing
For the Lord remembers us when we lack something
He is a generous and good God who provides all our needs
Run to his rescue for his steadfast love is everlasting
When we are in trouble and our enemies attack constantly
We can be assured that God keeps his promises faithfully.
Even before we ask for what we need, God knows it already
He gives generously to all without reproach and hesitating
The Lord remembers us in our poverty; he always provides for us
He gave us his only Son so we can be redeemed from bondage
Praise the Lord who delivered us from all our iniquities and our foes
Give thanks to him who will forever grant his steadfast love to us.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it futile to worry and panic when we are missing out on something according to this psalm?
• How can we constantly remind ourselves of the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever?
• How is thanksgiving an essential aspect of our worship?
PSALM 136 THE LORD STRIKES DOWN THE ENEMIES
March 30
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PSALM 136
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
– Psalm 136:17-22
PSALM 136 THE LORD STRIKES DOWN THE ENEMIES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When you are facing difficulties and attacks from the enemy
Remember that you are not alone, his steadfast love is forever
The Lord strikes down anyone who hurts his children
Run to him and do not fight back or take vengeance
It is natural for man to defend himself against foes
But supernatural for him to trust and rely on God alone.
Recall all the wonderful deeds that the Lord has done for Israel
He struck down the greatest of kings and exercised his power
Because of his steadfast love, he will ensure that his people are protected
There is no need to resort to fear instead, put your trust in your vindicator
The Lord gave the enemy’s land as a heritage to his faithful servants
For his steadfast love will forever last and his love never wavers.
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REFLECTION
• According to the following verses, God strikes down the enemies, how might the unbeliever view God from this psalm?
• How do you think God’s righteous anger is justified according to this psalm?
PSALM 136 IN THE MIDST OF THE WILDERNESS
March 29
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PSALM 136
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
– Psalm 136:10-16
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PSALM 136 IN THE MIDST OF THE WILDERNESS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
As you go through trials and tribulations you may feel distressed
Remember how God led his people in the midst of the wilderness
He brought them out of the land of Egypt to his promised land
It wasn’t an easy journey, but God was steadfast in his love.
What wilderness path are you experiencing right now?
Do not be overwhelmed and hopeless; instead lean on God
Just like the Lord overthrew Pharoah and his host in the Red Sea
You will have strength through God in the midst of the wilderness.
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REFLECTION
• What wilderness journey have you experienced that you felt the hand of God walk you through it?
• What reassurance can we get from this psalm?
• Why is the steadfast love of God worth pondering upon?
PSALM 136 GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD WHO IS GOOD
March 28
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PSALM 136
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
– Psalm 136:1-9
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PSALM 136 GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD WHO IS GOOD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
What is man that God gives him his unconditional and steadfast love?
He was made in his own image so God’s magnificence can be witnessed by man
The Lord made the heavens and the earth so they can live and do their calling
He gave man all his needs so they can follow his laws and continually serve him.
Give thanks to the God who is good and Almighty; he deserves all the glory
He gave us the sun so we can see in the day, toil and serve him only
The moon and the stars shed us light at night so we can rest and be refreshed
The Lord made the earth above the waters, so we can thrive and be nourished.
Give thanks to the God of gods and Lord of lords; his faithfulness lasts forever
He is the only one who can provide all your needs and protect you from evil
Who else can ever love you more than the Lord your God? His love is limitless
He showers you with gifts and blessings; each morning his mercy is fresh.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to constantly count their blessings and to praise and give thanks to the Lord? What happens when we fail to do this regularly?
PSALM 135 IDOL MAKERS BECOME LIKE WHAT THEY MAKE
March 27
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PSALM 135
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
– Psalm 135:15-21
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PSALM 135 IDOL MAKERS BECOME LIKE WHAT THEY MAKE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
You will detest idol makers and idols if you love the Lord your God
He deserves complete loyalty; he is jealous but also steadfast in his love
What is man that he creates something that will draw him away from the Lord?
Those who make idols become obsessed with it and turn to something they make.
When man distracts himself from serving the Lord alone by creating an idol
Whether it is made out of gold or silver or a longing for power and reputation
Humans become consumed by such things or desires which gives birth to sin
Without realizing it, they turn away from God and follow their whims.
Therefore, you people, fear the Lord your God for he is the only true God
Get rid of idols and smash all things that takes your time away from the Lord
Examine your hearts that you may know when you are enticed by your desires
There is only one longing you must yearn for; to love and serve your Master.
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REFLECTION
• What are some of the modern-day idols that creep so subtly in our lives?
PSALM 135 THE LORD VINDICATES HIS PEOPLE
March 26
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PSALM 135
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
– Psalm 135:8-14
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PSALM 135 THE LORD VINDICATES HIS PEOPLE
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Do not fear when you are oppressed and shown prejudice
The Lord vindicates his people, he will grant you justice
Remember what the Lord did to the firstborn of Egypt?
He punished Pharaoh and all his servants for their cruelty.
The Lord ensures that his people are protected and delivered
No matter how strong the enemies appear, they will be defeated
For the Lord is our defender and Redeemer, he is our shield
Hold on tight to your faith in the Lord and you will be free.
There is no need to protect yourself from all the attacks of the foe
The Lord has given us truth, salvation and defense through his armor
Watch how the Lord will fulfill his promise to strike down the enemy
His compassion for his servants will prevail, his love endures forever.
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REFLECTION
• How can we avoid the tendency to defend ourselves when we are being attacked since the Lord is our vindicator? What happens when we defend ourselves?
PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
March 25
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PSALM 135
Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
– Psalm 135:1-7
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PSALM 135 WHATEVER PLEASES THE LORD HE DOES
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Give honor and exaltation to the God who is above all gods
For he made the heavens, the earth and everything around us
He gave us the day so we can work and give him praise
Then, night follows so our bodies and minds get its needed rest
Whatever pleases the Lord he does; he created all things for his pleasure
But if man does whatever pleases him, he is headed for destruction.
Because of sin, man has failed to see the perspective of God
For us to see the Lord’s view, he gave us his only begotten Son
From the truth that comes from his word, we learn to fear him
Once we fear the Lord, we begin to have discernment and wisdom
Do only whatever is pleasing to the Lord and you will stay true
Then you will be rejoicing as you behold God’s control over you.
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REFLECTION
• How can verse 6 be a challenge to accept if one is an unbeliever?
PSALM 134 COME BLESS THE LORD
March 24
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PSALM 134
Come, bless the LORD,
all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night
in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
– Psalm 134:1-3
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PSALM 134 COME, BLESS THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you servants of the Lord, enter his house with praise
As you prepare for the day of worship, never cease to pray
Let your whole lives manifest the goodness of the Lord
Keep yourselves free from fear and worries from the world.
You bless the Lord, when you declare his word
It is alive and can show you what is right and what is wrong
Praise the One who is the Word, who became flesh
He sacrificed his life so that we can be saved and refreshed.
Come, bless the Lord with the blessings he poured on you
Our life’s purpose is to bring him glory; so, have your minds renewed
When we offer our lives to serve the Lord our God, we become a blessing
It is exalting him in the highest form of praise when we live holy lives.
May the Lord manifest his blessings on all his people
As they gather together to fulfill their covenant promise
May all of the saints endlessly proclaim all God’s blessings
May we never forget to make him first and be full of thanksgiving.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to “bless” the Lord? Why must we have this habit of blessing him?