March 17
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PSALM 40 SPEAK OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AND SALVATION
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. 11 As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! 14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!” 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! – Psalm 40:9-17
________________________________________PROCLAIMING GOD’S DELIVERANCE by ILMA
O Lord, I am forever grateful to be delivered from sin
Your steadfast love sustains me and is so amazing
Your faithfulness keeps me stable and preserves me
Grace and mercy abound when we confess and repent.
Though my iniquities can be overwhelming at times
You never failed to forgive and extend your mercy to me
I will proclaim to the congregation of your goodness
Let all the nations know your righteousness.
Great is the Lord who thinks of me who is not worthy
He is the source of my help and deliverance
I will never get tired to speaking of his miracles
I will forever serve my Lord, my God and my all.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist mention and admit that he is poor and needy in verse17? What does that tell us of the condition of his heart?