March 20
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PSALM 131
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.
– Psalm 131:1-3
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PSALM 131 CALM & QUIET MY SOUL O LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, without your steadfast love and forgiveness
I will continue to struggle with my sinfulness
Forgive me when I am overcome with haughtiness
Make me aware of all my transgressions and weaknesses
I have committed to follow your ways all the days of my life
Yet, I find myself being tempted to follow my cravings and desires
Show me each time I walk the path of darkness; shine your light on me
Do not let me be fearful of things that are uncomfortable and ugly.
Grant me a calm and quiet spirit and expose all lusts that entices me
Discipline me but be gracious to me when I become weak
Each time I am oppressed and minimized, give me patience
Wean me from anything that doesn’t show your magnificence
Calm and quiet my soul as it goes through waves of varying emotions
Only in you, O Lord can I be assured of peace and salvation
Let me be still and know that you are the only One in control
Keep my eyes focused on you and let me walk only in your ways.
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REFLECTION
• What can make our souls out of control and unwell?