October 24
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PSALM 63 GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,6 when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped. – Psalm 63:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, fill up my life with your steadfast love and mercy
It will be an empty and vain life without your grace and blessings
My whole being thirsts for your presence and searches for it all the day long
Let a day never pass without your loving kindness so I can always be strong.
When I relied on the things and people around me, I was upset
But when I dwell on your faithfulness and glory, I found rest
O God, I praise and glorify you; your steadfast love is better than life
There is nothing better than your love and the gift to follow what is right.
My soul latches on to you for without you, I will be drowning
Grant me tranquillity to let go of all control and striving
Protect me from all those who seek to destroy me
I will forever serve you my Lord who is full of mercy.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist think that God’s steadfast love is better than life itself?