September 27
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PSALM 44 WHEN SHAME AND DISGRACE COME UPON US
9 But you have rejected us and disgraced us and have not gone out with our armies.
10 You have made us turn back from the foe, and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
11 You have made us like sheep for slaughter and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You have sold your people for a trifle, demanding no high price for them.
13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
the derision and scorn of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
15 All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face
16 at the sound of the taunter and reviler, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.
17 All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you,
and we have not been false to your covenant. – Psalm 44:9-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Lord, I come to you for protection and deliverance from wickedness
Each day, I am exposed to the enemy’s attacks to disgrace me
Help me to overcome the flesh that so easily surfaces in my life
When I follow my cravings and desires, I surely feel shame
Deliver me from the systems of this corrupt world
Let me constantly feed on your truth and dwell on your word.
Grant me humility and wisdom so that I will walk in your Spirit
Let me be accountable for all that I have been gifted with
Do not let me use your gifts to me for my own purpose
Give me a forgiving heart to mocking neighbors
Always keep my eyes focused on you alone my Lord
Especially when shame and disgrace is all around.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think even God’s people are not exempt from being taunted or disgraced?
• When does shame visit us in our lives?
• How must a Christian deal with shame?