May 8
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PSALM 31 – I HAVE BECOME LIKE A BROKEN VESSEL
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 have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the whispering of many- terror on every side! –
as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand; rescue me
from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!
17 O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. – Psalm 31:11-17
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AS THE ENEMY SCHEMES AGAINST ME by ILMA
Lord, come to my rescue as the enemy schemes against me
I have become a laughing stock and disgrace to my neighbor
Many have minimized me and treated me like dead
I hear them whisper all kinds of gossips and judgment
As they scheme against me and mock me incessantly
I ask you Lord, to deliver me from all the attacks of the enemy.
O Lord, I call upon you. Have mercy on your faithful servant
Let the wicked be put to shame and silenced and stopped
Make your face shine on your beloved servant; make haste to save me
As the enemy schemes against me, I slowly become discouraged
Strengthen me to exercise the authority you gave me to trample them
O my God, I trust that you will fulfill your promise of deliverance.
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REFLECTION
• How can you identify with David in this psalm as his enemy schemes against him?
• What did David do when he felt so discriminated and mocked by those people who seemed to have honored him before and currently mock him now?