August 9
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PSALM 9 THE LORD IS A STRONGHOLD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished. 7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. 9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! 12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 13 Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation. – Psalm 9:1-14
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
I will sing praise to the Lord and remember all his wonderful deeds
I will rejoice and be glad and glorify the only true God, the Most high
When the enemy plots to destroy those who live in righteousness
The Lord is their stronghold in times of troubles and weaknesses
He comes to the rescue of all the oppressed and unjustly treated
The Lord delivers them, heals and comfort all those who are afflicted
He does not forget the cry of those who are faithful to him and his word
Praise our Lord God Almighty, he sits on the throne watching over the world
Our Lord God punishes all wickedness, he judges the people with uprightness
He hates evil and won’t allow it to triumph; he crushes all forms of wickedness
Run to the Lord for refuge for he is our strength and stronghold in troubled times
He is the strong foundation for all those who love, trust him and follow his lead.
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REFLECTION
• Share some experiences that proved God is our stronghold in times of trouble?
• Why is it important to sing praise and remember God’s marvelous deeds?