November 26
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PSALM 79 LET YOUR COMPASSION COME UPON US LORD
8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!
10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes!
11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!
12 Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors
the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord!
13 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise. – Psalm 79:8-13
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord come quickly to my aide; I am exhausted from the enemy’s attacks
Help me and save me from the hidden tactics that the devil brings about
Forgive me for letting the flesh take over me when I am blindsided
Grant me mercy and courage to get up from the sins I have yielded to.
Return back to the enemy all his schemes seven times more
Let me be aware of the existence of such plots even before it hits
May your grace be manifest in my heart so I can forgive them
I plead you Lord to let me be aware of all your angels around me.
Even though I am pressed down by these evil forces
I will continue to thank you and give you all the glory
Hear my groans for deliverance and give me strength
Help me get up from this fall and worship you even more.
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REFLECTION
• What is the psalmist referring to in this community of lament when he asked for compassion from the Lord?
• Should you be compassionate to those who do evil to you? Why or why not?