February 16
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PSALM 56 WHEN AFRAID I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD
Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?5 All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil.6 They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. 7 For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? 9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,11 in God I trust
I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?12 I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. – Psalm 56:1-13
________________________________________PRAYER TO ALLEVIATE FEAR by ILMA
O Lord, we are surrounded by things we have no control over
Will you remind me that you are the Almighty and source of power?
I deal with daily battles where the enemy attacks constantly
I put my trust in you; for you love me completely and faithfully
When I am afraid, I will run to you for comfort and strength
No man can ever give me that assurance and confidence
When the enemy casts his spell and tactics on me
I cannot win if you do not let me tap into your mercy.
You are a just God who won’t allow me to be overcome by evil
Show me the unseen forces that constantly surround me
I totally trust that you will keep count of all my fears and anxieties
You put my tears in a bottle and in your book, you have it recorded
I put my hope in you alone for you know me in and out
You are the only one who can make me walk in the light
Deliver me from all that is in my flesh and in this world
Make me dependent on you always; help me follow your word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to run to God when afraid or overwhelmed by troubles and difficulties in life?