September 8
________________________________________
PSALM 35 THE LORD DELIGHTS IN HIS SERVANTS’ WELFARE
18 I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.
19 Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.
21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!”
22 You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me!
23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness,
and let them not rejoice over me!
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart’s desire!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad
and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
– Psalm 35:18-28________________________________________
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
All you people of God, thank and praise him amongst all the other believers
Let his holy name be worshipped for he is a God of compassion
When you come to the Lord for vindication, he will not fail you
Those who are pursued by your enemies, don’t fret for you will be rescued
The Lord delights in his servants’ welfare shows his steadfast love
Every detail of your circumstance matters to our merciful God.
Even if your enemy seems to be laughing and mocking
Never fear for that is when your Lord God starts defending
Great is your Lord, for his love overflows and his mercy abound
Do not worry for the Lord provides and protects his faithful servants
Run to your Lord and do not take vengeance in your own hands
He is your vindicator and defender, leave it your Almighty God.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think this psalm is good to meditate on when in adversity?