October 19
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PSALM 59 A REFUGE IN THE DAY OF MY DISTRESS
11 Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power
and bring them down, O Lord, our shield!
12 For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,
let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter,
13 consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more,
that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah
14 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.
15 They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill.
16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love. – Psalm 59:11-17
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O my Lord, you are a refuge in the day of my distress
Without your presence, I will be constantly depressed
Each day, the enemy won’t stop pressing me down
It is consoling and comforting to have your steadfast love.
You are my strength and my shield; I have power because of you
I sing praises to you my Lord who never fails to watch over us
I will declare your truth during times of anxiety and suffering
Let your Spirit constantly guide me in all my daily dealings.
I worship you my Lord, only in you will I have peace
Praise the Lord who is the source of all goodness
I rejoice in the Lord for he is my rock and my salvation
Hallelujah to my Almighty God, who alone is worthy of adoration.
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REFLECTION
• Where do you run when you are distressed or anxious?
• Why is it important to have a sanctuary to resort to when we are beset by troubles and challenges?