February 13
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PSALM 118
10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD, I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the LORD, I cut them off!
13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.
18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
– Psalm 118:10-18
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PSALM 118 WHEN THE LORD DISCIPLINES YOU
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
As you live in this world, you will be plagued with troubles and challenges
We are in a fallen state and it is wise to be mindful of these unseen forces
The enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy our relationship with the Lord
Be watchful that you are able to heed to the discipline of God through his word.
Though we are surrounded by wickedness and power-hungry people
Let us be reminded that in the name of God we can cut them off
Declare the deeds that the Lord has done to free you from oppression
Then you will be able to overcome sin and not succumb to depression.
When the Lord disciplines you, that means that he loves you
When you don’t get your way, hear his voice and be cautioned
The Lord will never let his people be crushed or defeated
You may feel weak, but if you go to God, you will be strengthened.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think that the discipline of the Lord is not easy to spot for some?