November 19
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PSALM 78 THE GOD WHO DELIVERS AND PROVIDES
9 The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.
10 They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.
11 They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.
12 In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt,
in the fields of Zoan.13 He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
and made the waters stand like a heap.
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
17 Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed.
Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” – Psalm 78:9-20
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, help me to never forget the things you have done for your people
You performed so many wonders to deliver and provide for all of them
Yet, they continued to sin and rebel against you despite your goodness
They whined and complained while you were delivering them from bondage
Forgive me each time I forget to be thankful for what you have given me
Sometimes I get driven by my desires for a better life instead of being content
Give me a desire to constantly feed in your word and follow your laws
Do not let me be distracted by the corruption of the systems of this world
I praise and glorify you my Lord, you are my deliverer and provider
Give me the grace to repent always and follow your laws faithfully
Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and give me courage to do your will
Let me only pursue a life that is pleasing to you so I won’t be misled by evil.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it easy to forget God’s goodness when we are faced with suffering and trials in our lives just like the Israelites did?
• How is complaining and desiring more an easy path to sin?