October 12
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MAKE YOUR FACE TO SHINE UPON YOUR SERVANT
But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD,
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies
And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;
Save me in Your lovingkindness.
17 Let me not be put to shame,
O LORD, for I call upon You;
Let the wicked be put to shame,
let them be silent in Sheol.18 Let the lying lips be mute
Which speak arrogantly against the righteous
With pride and contempt. – Psalm 31:14-18
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In this psalm, David once again manifests his big heart who always seeks God’s own heart. He trusts the Lord with his own life. He believes that God is always looking after him especially protecting and delivering him from his enemies. He asks His heavenly Father to make His face shine upon him.
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). This was the priests’ blessing in the Old Testament for God’s people passed down for centuries. According to an internet source, in 1979, archaeologists excavating a tomb near Jerusalem discovered two small silver scrolls that recorded this priestly blessing from Numbers 6. The scrolls were dated to the 7th century B.C., making them oldest written Scriptures found.
What does “the Lord make His face shine on you” mean? The fact that God would have Aaron and the priests to repeat this blessing for centuries must mean it is very important. This blessing is an appeal to God to look favorably upon His people and to grant His presence, blessing, guidance, and grace. David used this blessing in this psalm, asking God’s presence in the midst of all that he is going through. Shouldn’t we all ask the Lord to shine his face upon us all?
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to ask God’s presence, blessings and guidance in our lives?
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PLEADING GOD FOR DELIVERANCE DURING GRIEF ILMA’S VLOG
October 11
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PLEADING GOD FOR DELIVERANCE DURING GRIEF
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also.
10 For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing;
My strength has failed because of my iniquity,
and my body has wasted away.
11 Because of all my adversaries,
I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors,
And an object of dread to my acquaintances;
Those who see me in the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side;
While they took counsel together against me,
They schemed to take away my life. – Psalm 31:9-13
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In this psalm, we hear David’s depression and grief. David is so honest with God. He complains to God directly as he goes through the grief and weariness of dealing with his enemies. He intimately asks God in verse 9 to grant him grace because he is in so much distress. He describes in verse 10 how tired he was both in his mind, body and spirit but also acknowledges the fact that it was his sins that brought about this weariness. He knows how his neighbors disapprove of him and feels the pain of the rejection from them in verse 11. He likens himself to a dead man or a broken vessel. In verse 13, we hear David’s paranoia as his enemies slander him. It has brought much terror on his side, especially when they all plotted to kill him.
Isn’t it such a consolation to hear a man who is after God’s own heart plead and complain to God at the same time about his enemy’s plots that he is constantly exposed to? Why complain when God already knows anyway? The act of coming to God to plead for help in desperate situations exhibits humility. It shows that we are acknowledging a God who can be the only one who can deliver us from any kind of trouble. Even when we are panic stricken or rejected, the Lord wants us to come to Him. The more we are being attacked, the more He wants us to run to His arms like a child runs to his parent.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it okay to complain to God and not to humans?
LORD, IN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, DELIVER ME ILMA’S VLOG
October 10
________________________________________LORD, IN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, DELIVER ME
In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed;
In Your righteousness deliver me.2 Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly;
Be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me.
3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.
4 You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.
6 I hate those who regard vain idols, But I trust in the LORD.
7 I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness,
Because You have seen my affliction;
You have known the troubles of my soul,
8 And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy;
You have set my feet in a large place.- Psalm 31:1-8
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In the 16th Century, German monk, Martin Luther taught through Psalms, verse-by-verse to his students at the seminary. In his teaching he came upon Psalm 31:1. This verse confused him; how could God’s righteousness deliver him? The righteousness of God – His great justice – could only condemn him to hell as a righteous punishment for his sins. He also read Romans 1:17: For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed. Luther thought about this day and night, until he finally understood what the righteousness of God revealed by the gospel is. It is not speaking of the holy righteousness of God that condemns the guilty sinner, but of the God-kind of righteousness that is given to the sinner who puts his trust in Jesus Christ. Luther said, “I grasped the truth that the righteousness of God is that righteousness whereby, through grace and sheer mercy, he justifies us by faith. Martin Luther was born again, and the reformation began in his heart. One great Lutheran scholar said this was “the happiest day in Luther’s life.”
The psalmist puts his trust in the Lord who knows all the troubles that his soul encounters. Shouldn’t we do the same? The Lord knows us very well and only if we trust in Him will he deliver us. Because He is full of mercy and lovingkindness, we are delivered.
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REFLECTION
• How can trusting God keep us away from evil or trouble?
MY STRONGHOLD & THE ROCK OF MY REFUGE ILMA’S VLOG
October 9
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MY STRONGHOLD & THE ROCK OF MY REFUGE
For judgment will again be righteous,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will stand up for me against evildoers?
Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness?
17 If the LORD had not been my help,
My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
18 If I should say, “My foot has slipped,”
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up.
19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul.
20 Can a throne of destruction be allied with You,
One which devises mischief by decree?
21 They band themselves together against the life of the righteous
And condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the LORD has been my stronghold,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
23 He has brought back their wickedness upon them
And will destroy them in their evil;
The LORD our God will destroy them.- Psalm 94:15-23
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In this psalm, the writer focuses on the righteous God we have. He judges fairly. All those who live upright lives knows that God gives justice impartially. Verses 16-17 declares the faithfulness of God and how He is a promise keeper who will ensure that the wicked are punished when they do evil to God’s people. It is a declaration of confidence in God who is the only one who can deliver them against wickedness. Verse 17 is a grateful act of God’s help. Without it, anyone would feel overwhelmed and helpless, but the psalmist knows his God very well. He knows that God will never be silent, but will always be there on their rescue. Verses 18-19 enumerates what God does in times of anxiety. God always ensures that the faithful will never entertain anxiety and worry because they know that God will always console them.
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REFLECTION
• How often do you run to your stronghold when trouble comes?
• Why is it important to dwell on God’s promises when anxiety sets in?
THE LORD NEVER ABANDONS HIS PEOPLE ILMA’S VLOG
October 8
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THE LORD NEVER ABANDONS HIS PEOPLE
Pay heed, you senseless among the people;
And when will you understand, stupid ones?
9 He who planted the ear, does He not hear?
He who formed the eye, does He not see?
10 He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke,
Even He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are a mere breath.-
12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD,
And whom You teach out of Your law;
13 That You may grant him relief from the days of adversity,
Until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not abandon His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance. Psalm 94:8-14
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This song of lament is a reminder to all those people who are undergoing oppression. It prompts them to remember all the things the Lord has created and done for His people. Verse 8 brings people to their foolishness and verses 9 mentions gifts that God has given those whom He made. He gave them ears to hear Him and eyes to see Him and yet people don’t use it for that purpose. Humans have a tendency to use such gifts for their own gains. Verse 10 talks about God’s faithfulness at keeping His promise to those who love Him. He will correct and discipline them. In verse 11, we are reminded of the omniscient nature of God, who sees everything. He knows our thoughts.
The psalmist reminds God’s people of the blessings they are going to experience when they are faithful to their creator. In verse 13, we hear the promise of comfort and deliverance from adversities. It also talks about the vengeance that God will bring forth to the enemies who oppress His beloved people. Another promise in this part of Psalm 94 is that the Lord never forsakes His people. He is faithful to ensure that salvation and deliverance are granted to all the faithful ones who runs to Him for help in times of oppression and troubles.
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REFLECTION
• How can we constantly run to God when it is in our nature to self-protect and be self-sufficient? Why does God want us to depend on Him?
RUNNING TO GOD FOR COMFORT IN EVIL TIMES ILMA’S VLOG
October 7
________________________________________RUNNING TO GOD FOR COMFORT IN EVIL TIMES
O LORD, God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth,
Render recompense to the proud.
3 How long shall the wicked, O LORD,
How long shall the wicked exult?
4 They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly;
All who do wickedness vaunt themselves.
5 They crush Your people, O LORD,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger
And murder the orphans.
7 They have said, “The LORD does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.” – Psalm 94:1-7
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Psalm 94 is a community lament written for a time when the wicked not only revel (v3) but also oppress the people (v5-6). This psalm was written to plead God to act on the evil being done to the people. They ask God for protection from the wickedness they are experiencing.
It is so refreshing to hear the people humbly run to God like a little child, reporting to the parent about what is going on in her/his life. Even though the parent probably knows already the things happening, it is still good to hear the child express trust and dependence. It manifests a closeness, a bond between the child and parent. It is like this with us and God. We need to run to God for protection, for provision and for guidance just like a child would. Although human mind is limited like a child, God loves the act of running to Him for help. It shows closeness and intimacy. It reveals a relationship that is borne out of love.
Verses 3-7 enumerates what people are experiencing and reveals a hope for God to act on such evil deeds in verse 3. Of course, God knows everything. The act of running to Him in times of distress and oppression is a good sign that the people are very much connected to their God. It exhibits faithfulness as well.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to run to God for comfort in times of trouble and oppression?
ARISE O GOD & RESCUE YOUR PEOPLE ILMA’S VLOG
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October 6
________________________________________ARISE O GOD & RESCUE YOUR PEOPLE
Remember this, O LORD, that the enemy has reviled,
And a foolish people has spurned Your name.
19 Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wild beast;
Do not forget the life of Your afflicted forever. 20 Consider the covenant;
For the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
21 Let not the oppressed return dishonored;
Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.
22 Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.
23 Do not forget the voice of Your adversaries,
The uproar of those who rise against You which ascends continually. -Psalm 74:18-23
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Matthew Henry comments on verses 18-23 as such. The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church against their enemies. The folly of such as revile his gospel and his servants will be plain to all. Let us call upon our God to enlighten the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his people, that the poor and needy may praise his name. Blessed Saviour, thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Make thy people more than conquerors. Be thou, Lord, all in all to them in every situation and circumstances; for then thy poor and needy people will praise thy name.
I love how Asaph reminds God to act upon rescuing His people. It shows that he knows his God who promised to free the oppressed as Isaiah 58:6 says “Undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke.” Asaph is looking forward to the promise of God for deliverance for His own people.
It sounds like Asaph is telling God to fight for Himself when the enemy has rejected Him and desecrated His temple in verse 18. It seems humorous to hear a mortal tell an immortal God what to do, but I think the act of conversing with God about things we don’t understand is a manifestation of humility and intimacy with the Lord. It exhibits his knowledge of a God he knows so well. Do we do the same? Do we actually converse with God and discuss the concerns of our hearts with Him? We need to care enough to lay down all our burdens and concerns to God.
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REFLECTION
• How often to do you intimately confide and converse with God all your concerns?
PETITION FOR GOD’S DELIVERANCE ILMA’S VLOG
October 5
________________________________________PETITION FOR GOD’S DELIVERANCE
Yet God is my king from of old,
Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.
13 You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.
14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
15 You broke open springs and torrents;
You dried up ever-flowing streams.
16 Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
17 You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.- Psalm 74:12-17
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Earlier in this psalm, Asaph was lamenting and grieving over the temple destruction. He kept on asking why God allowed such evil to happen to His own place of worship. In these following verses in 12-17, we hear a shift of Asaph’s emotions. From whining he moves to worshiping the Lord.
Verse 12 recalls God as King from ancient times who has done so many acts of deliverance for mankind. God created many things for us to have the life that He wanted us to have. In verse 13, Asaph mentions sea monsters and Leviathan. This creature is a multiheaded sea serpent that is killed by God and given as food to the Hebrews in the wilderness. In Isaiah 27:1, Leviathan is a serpent and a symbol of Israel’s enemies, who will be slain by God. Crushing the heads of Leviathan is representative of God’s crushing the enemy’s head. He delivers us from the evil one.
Asaph enumerates further in verses 15-17 what God has done for His people in the wilderness and how God has created boundaries between day and night and different seasons. Asaph reminds God of all the things that He has done for His people and praises Him for such deeds of deliverance.
We can learn from Asaph humility and a dependence on God. Another thing that was remarkable with him was how much he knows his good God.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to run to God for defense and provision?
WHY ALLOW EVIL, LORD? ILMA’S VLOG
October 4
________________________________________WHY ALLOW EVIL, LORD?
They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;
They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.
8 They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.”
They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
9 We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet,
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.
10 How long, O God, will the adversary revile,
And the enemy spurn Your name forever?
11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
From within Your bosom, destroy them!- Psalm 74:7-11
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In this psalm of lament, Asaph questions God why He has allowed His sanctuary be burned to the ground. Why was the enemy allowed to do such wicked thing? We hear the pain in Asaph’s heart as he tells the Lord all the remains of a place where they worship the Lord.
One of the questions asked by many unbelievers is this: Why does God allow evil and suffering? It is sad to hear this same question coming from God’s own people, but this is the reality that we need to face. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from the pains and trials in this cruel world. We all need to see the way the Lord looks at what is really going on. Our limited minds cannot fathom why God would allow such painful events to happen. Many of us believers become consumed by what we are going through that we fail to see what lesson God is teaching us from certain painful events in our lives. We get stuck in the question “why?” and fail to ask “What do I need to learn from this event or defeat?” There is always a reason why God allows suffering and evil to momentarily prevail. Maybe God wants us to use such painful events to humble us or to strengthen us for a future purpose He wants us to fulfill.
When Asaph asked God the question why he withdrew His right hands on them, he probably was overcome by grief and defeat. But the act of running to God and asking Him is a very honest humble act of dependence. He wants for God to make him see why such things happened. He knows the Lord well enough to ask why it seems like God has abandoned them. Even Jesus himself asked God “Father, why have you forsaken me?”
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REFLECTION
• Why is honesty about our pain important to God?
LAMENT OVER THE TEMPLE RUINS
October 3
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LAMENT OVER THE TEMPLE RUINS
O God, why have You rejected us forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,
Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance;
And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.
3 Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins;
The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.
4 Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place;
They have set up their own standards for signs.
5 It seems as if one had lifted up his axe in a forest of trees.
6 And now all its carved work
They smash with hatchet and hammers.- Psalm 74:1-6
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According to enduringword.com website, this psalm is a plea and a prayer in great sorrow from the destruction of the sanctuary. The majority of commentators believe this psalm followed the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians. Some argue that it is even later, following the desecration of the temple in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes. If these later dates are true, this Asaph who wrote it is not the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era, unless Asaph composed this psalm prophetically, which was possible according to 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30.
This psalm is a community lament, a cry of anguish over the destruction of the temple. It recounts God’s mighty deeds in the past, especially the exodus. Asaph grieves over the temple ruins from the enemy’s attack. He declares to God the pain of watching what was left of the holy place of worship. He asks the Lord why He has turned His back on His people and allowed the enemy to desecrate this place.
Doesn’t this psalm remind us of how grieved we can be after losing our spirits in the battle waged by the enemy to destroy us? When we are overcome by sin, there is a cry inside of us to ask God for help. Sometimes, we cannot stop asking God why he allowed such events or loses to happen to us. Even the most faithful servants of God can be grieving over the loss of purity and faithfulness they have lived for that was destroyed by the evil one.
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REFLECTION
• Why is important to run to God when we are grieving over a loss?