December 13
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PSALM 88 ARE YOUR WONDERS KNOWN IN THE DARKNESS
10 Do you work wonders for the dead?
Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But I, O LORD, cry to you, in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
16 Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together.
18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness. – Psalm 88:10-18
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, do not let your presence leave my poor soul or I will suffer
In the past, I never knew your amazing grace because I am so sinful
Because I was so focused on living in this corrupt and fallen world,
I failed to marvel at your greatness; yet you still gave me your word.
Do not cast me out from your love; deliver me from my flesh
If you withdraw your presence from me, the enemy will defeat me
Even the closest to my heart have been serving the enemy
They have surrounded me to tempt and tire me daily.
Forgive me for all my sinfulness O Lord, shower me with your mercy
How can we triumph over evil if you let us wallow in all these darkness?
Deliver me from all these helplessness and terror which have afflicted me long
Heal me O Lord, for I am weakening and getting so depressed slowly.
Cover me with your grace as I struggle with the corruption around me
Do not forsake your faithful servant, you are my vindicator
Save me O my God, only in you will I find peace and safety
I can only thrive in this life for you are with me to give me sustenance.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist wondered if God’s people will remember all his wonderous deed in darkness? What did you think he meant by that?
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PSALM 88 I CALL UPON THE LORD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE
December 12
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PSALM 88 I CALL UPON THE LORD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE
O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape; 9 my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you. – Psalm 88:1-9
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you are my salvation and my protection
Hear my prayer as I get swamped by trials and tribulation
I cry out to you in the midst of all these painful events
It seems like everyone has turned their backs on me
Help me O God of my salvation; without you, I am stuck
I am overwhelmed with anxiety from the devil’s attacks.
Have you forgotten your servant who calls upon you day and night?
Why do I feel so alone and depressed even though I know you are everywhere?
Comfort me O Lord, I cannot go on without your steadfast love
Do not forget the poor and the needy, I know that your grace abounds
Flood me with your compassion so that all these feelings will leave me
Do not forsake your beloved faithful; I need your assurance and mercy.
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REFLECTION
• The psalmist sounded hopeless in this psalm, why do you think it is important to come to the throne of God especially in times of great trouble and anxiety?
• What can we learn from the psalmist about anxiety and depression in this psalm?
• Do you think it is alright for Christians to experience these negative feelings? Why or why not?
PSALM 87 THE LORD ESTABLISHES HIS DWELLING PLACE
December 11
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PSALM 87 THE LORD ESTABLISHES HIS DWELLING PLACE
On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.” – Psalm 87:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, we thank you for choosing us to enter your dwelling place
Through the sacrifice of your Son’s life, we have the Holy Spirit in us
What an amazing gracious love you gave us so we can reconcile with you!
Help us to remember that our own bodies are the temples that you chose.
Though we are still sinners, you elected us to serve and bring you glory
Make us thankful and be aware of this privilege to give you praise always
You have made your Son, Jesus as the head of your faithful ones
We cannot come to you on our own if we do not love and serve Christ.
It is in your church that you gather all those who love your name
Cover your holy people with protection so they can grow in faith
Establish us so that your dwelling place will be incorruptible by this world
Let us be the salt and light as we hear, speak, live and follow your Holy word.
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REFLECTION
• Has God established his dwelling place in your heart and mind? What are the manifestations of the stability of your faith in your life and how are you the salt and light to others?
PSALM 86 A GOD WHO IS SLOW TO ANGER
December 10
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PSALM 86 A GOD WHO IS SLOW TO ANGER
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. – Psalm 86:10-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
You are a God of mercy and of steadfast love
Help me to walk in your way and discern truth
This world we live in is full of lies and deceit
Cover me with your protection so I won’t be deceived.
O Lord, teach me to be enduring, kind and gentle
You are full of love, is patient and is slow to anger
Forgive me when I easily give in to offense
Change my heart so that I can quickly forgive.
Praise to you O Lord who is so merciful and full of compassion
Guide my life so that I will love others and never be in isolation
Remind me that all things you give me is for your own pleasure
Keep me focused on your word that is truth and is such a treasure.
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REFLECTION
• What did the psalmist mean when he said “unite my heart to fear your name in verse 11?
PSALM 86 A PLEA FOR GRACE TO A MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD
December 9
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PSALM 86 A PLEA FOR GRACE TO A MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. – Psalm 86:1-9
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Have pity on me, a sinful servant of yours who is poor and needy
I ask you to come to my aide as I live in these worldly and corrupt systems
We are surrounded by so much deceit, lies, control and hunger for power
Come to our aide O Lord, we have served you faithfully, give us deliverance.
Grant me your grace so that in times of trial, I’ll remember to run to your throne
If you haven’t chosen me, I will always be sinful, you cleansed me O Lord!
You are the one true God and no other gods are like you, who is righteous
I plead you to hear my prayer so that I can walk in the way of the godly.
Forgive me when I am influenced by culture, traditions and human knowledge
Keep my eyes on your wisdom instead of the mindsets that are worldly
Give me a discerning mind and heart to see the subtleties of lies in our culture
Help me to walk with your Spirit amidst the unseen tactics generated by the devil.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so important for us to plead God for mercy and grace especially given what is going on in our world today?
• How does the psalmist go about with his prayer? Why is praise an essential ingredient in our prayer?
PSALM 85 THE LORD SPEAKS PEACE & WARNS HIS SAINTS
>December 8
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PSALM 85 THE LORD SPEAKS PEACE & WARNS HIS SAINTS
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way. – Psalm 85:8-13
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you who serves the Lord, hear him speak to your hearts
He brings you peace, harmony and bounty in your land
The Lord brings salvation to all those who fear him
He guides their footsteps towards righteousness and away from sin.
In God’s goodness, he will give what is good and bless you
Continue to serve him and follow his will and fruits will overflow
Live in harmony with each other so that you can praise him
Watch out for division amongst you and stay out of sin.
Pursue peace always and be content with what you received
Bless others with the blessings that you were given
Examine your hearts and renew your mind regularly
Do not be corrupted by the systems that are worldly.
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REFLECTION
• What images do you see in verse 11 when the psalmist says “Faithfulness springs up from the ground and righteousness looks down from the sky”?
• What response do you have as you imagine this picture in verse 11.
PSALM 85 REVIVE US AGAIN O LORD!
December 7
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PSALM 85 REVIVE US AGAIN O LORD!
LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, forgive us for all our sinfulness
We are all so weak to resist wickedness
We transgress again and again, but you show us mercy
We deserve the worst punishment and yet you don’t give it.
Not only did you vindicate us, you even paid for our debts
You gave us your Son, Jesus so that we can be free
We praise you for your steadfast love and compassion
Grant us the courage to be faithful, and love you with passion.
Revive us again when we are broken, lost and rejected
Help us to view suffering as a share in Christ’s crucifixion
Keep us growing as we are refined by trials and pain
Let us focus on the path that leads to your kingdom in heaven.
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REFLECTION
• What happens to us Christians when we don’t pray for restoration?
• How can suffering and trial make us grow spiritually?
PSALM 84 THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR TO HIS PEOPLE
December 6
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PSALM 84 THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR TO HIS PEOPLE
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! – Psalm 84:8-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Is there something today that you received that you see as a blessing?
All good things are given from God to those who faithfully believe Him
Always keep your eyes on God’s mercy, grace and goodness
He bestows favor and honor to those who are righteous
The Lord God is faithful, he expects the same loyalty from us
Do not rely your own strength but in him alone, shall you put your trust.
Do not be afraid when you are being persecuted or rejected
Remember that Christ was also wronged and dejected
Focus on him alone when you are in pain and suffering
He will be your shield from the corruption of the world system
He is your counselor and helper; run to his throne alone
God is compassionate and generous to all the faithful.
Be thankful for every little or big thing that the Lord gives
Count them all and acknowledge him for his blessings
Each gift is to be used for God’s own glory
Be warned about using it for your own purpose
All honor and favor he gives you must reflect his goodness
Worship and thank him daily for every gift and blessing.
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REFLECTION
• How can we be more aware of God’s goodness on a regular basis according to this psalm? How does gratitude changes attitude?
PSALM 84 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD
Quote
December 5
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PSALM 84 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, at your altars,
O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
– Psalm 84:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My entire being longs to be with you O Lord
Give me grace to be strong to overcome this world
O Lord of hosts, bless me to continue to praise only you
There are so many distractions in my life that hinders what is true.
Let me never rely on my own strength or understanding
Instead, give me remembrance of the Holy Spirit’s teachings
Remind me that your Son, Jesus was sacrificed to cleanse me of sin
Let it be engraved in my heart to be courageous to endure suffering.
Each time I get tempted to be self-reliant, prod me to sense your presence
Every occasion to think I am right, humble me so I can be reminded
Give me humility to find strength in you when I am weak and weary
Let me not fear struggles and suffering so I can grow spiritually.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it very vital for Christians not to be independent and proud people according to this psalm?
• Do you think self-reliance and independence is against God’s laws? Why or why not?
PSALM 83 THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU
December 4
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PSALM 83 THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane!
16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD.
17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace,
18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD,
are the Most High over all the earth.– Psalm 83:9-18
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, pay attention to the deeds of the wicked towards your people
You see and know all things; let them stop from doing more damage
They boast about things that they don’t really grasp or know
They think highly of themselves and give others a blow.
It is unthinkable how they make others suffer when they take control
Will you expose all their plans to manipulate so others can bow to their idols?
O Lord, how long will you let these chaos and conflict continue?
I plead you to rebuke them that they may know who is the most powerful.
Cover all those who take shelter in you from their evil ways and wickedness
Keep your people from their tactics and guide them towards godliness
Put them in their places so that they may know who you really are
Bless your faithful ones so that they may continually worship and praise you.
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REFLECTION
• Asaph’s psalm speaks of the unthinkable things that God’s people suffer from the enemies. What are the promises of God that Asaph asks God to fulfill in this community lament?
• Should we also pray like Asaph when we are overwhelmed by the enemy’s tactics?