December 7
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PSALM 85 REVIVE US AGAIN O LORD!
LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, forgive us for all our sinfulness
We are all so weak to resist wickedness
We transgress again and again, but you show us mercy
We deserve the worst punishment and yet you don’t give it.
Not only did you vindicate us, you even paid for our debts
You gave us your Son, Jesus so that we can be free
We praise you for your steadfast love and compassion
Grant us the courage to be faithful, and love you with passion.
Revive us again when we are broken, lost and rejected
Help us to view suffering as a share in Christ’s crucifixion
Keep us growing as we are refined by trials and pain
Let us focus on the path that leads to your kingdom in heaven.
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REFLECTION
• What happens to us Christians when we don’t pray for restoration?
• How can suffering and trial make us grow spiritually?