September 6
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PSALM 35 A PLEA FOR DELIVERANCE
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!
3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,“I am your salvation!”
4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life!
Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind
with the angel of the LORD driving them away!
6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!
7 For without cause, they hid their net for me;
without cause, they dug a pit for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!
And let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it—to his destruction! – Psalm 35:1-8
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O my Lord, please hear my cry for help
The enemy have constantly pursued me
You promised to rescue all those who are righteous
Please rescue me from all the enemy’s tactics
Have your angels encamp around me for protection
Do not let them succeed with their plan for destruction.
I plead you to grant me strength and courage
Deal with them fairly and free me from bondage
Let them not be victorious with their schemes
Deliver your faithful servant, come and rescue me
I leave to you the defense against such subversions
Only you my Lord can deliver me and grant me salvation.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the psalmist sound like asking God to curse the enemy?