February 10
________________________________________
PSALM 116
I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. – Psalm 116:1-9
________________________________________
PSALM 116 WHEN I CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord God is full of grace and mercy; his love is steadfast
I love the Lord and he loves me because he chose me and gave me life
Therefore, I will serve only the Almighty God who is gracious to give
When I call on the name of the Lord, he blesses me and outpours his gifts.
Each time I bless the name of the Lord; all my trials turn to opportunities
God’s Spirit guides me to endure and be strong to face adversities
When I call on my Lord, he hears my pleas and answers them
Because of his steadfast love, I am able to overcome temptations.
When I depend on the Lord, he gives me a fearless perspective
He preserves all the simple and gives them contentment and peace
I will walk with the Spirit so I can glorify the name of the Lord my God
It is the only way I can go against my flesh and tendencies to be bad.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think the act of calling on the name of the Lord is something we don’t habitually do?
• Why is it easier to depend on ourselves instead of asking God’s help?