August 30
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PSALM 30 BY GOD’S FAVOR ONE CAN STAND STRONG
I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face; I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! – Psalm 30:1-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Without God’s grace, favor and mercy, life will be empty
We can overcome evil only when we give God all the glory
Do you think you can do anything through your own efforts?
It is God’s steadfast love that makes us strong and encouraged
He alone choses whom he will give his mercy and favor
There is nothing we can do to contribute to our salvation
Without God’s favor, we will be easily defeated
But by his grace and generosity, we can be victorious
Raise up your arms and bow down to your loving Lord
Declare his goodness and proclaim his gospel throughout the world.
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REFLECTION
• How should we respond to God’s generosity, grace and favor?