April 16
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PSALM 144
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle; 2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains so that they smoke! 6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them! 7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
– Psalm 144:1-8
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PSALM 144 MAN IS LIKE A BREATH
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I am awed by your love for man, who is like a breath
How could a God like you even think of someone so insignificant?
You are Almighty, all-seeing, all-powerful and steadfast in your love
We humans are nothing compared to you, why do you even care for us?
We are just like a breath; our lives are temporary and fleeting
You breathe and speak a word and someone or something is created.
You prepare us for battle by giving us your precious word
Without your training, we will be defeated by this world
Help us to remember that our lives here are very short
Let us prioritize what is important to you and what is true
We thank you for your steadfast love and your faithfulness
Give us courage to face our battles with boldness and steadfastness.
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REFLECTION
• How important is it to always be reminded how short our lives are?
• What does it mean to be trained by the Holy Spirit for battle?
• What can hinder our victory against the devil’s attacks?