November 21
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PSALM 78 WHEN YOU TEST THE LORD
32 In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.
33 So he made their days vanish like a breath, and their years in terror.
34 When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly.
35 They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them;
he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.
39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.
40 How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!
41 They tested God again and again and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
42 They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe,
43 when he performed his signs in Egypt and his marvels in the fields of Zoan.
– Psalm 78:32-43
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Who among other gods can give mercy and forgiveness?
The Lord God Almighty restrains his anger and continue to be patient
When he delivered his people out of Egypt, he provided for them
He protected them and gave them sustenance for the journey
Despite their grumblings and complaints, he didn’t punish them as they deserve
If God didn’t’ control his wrath, no one else will have a chance to be alive
Who can face a God who has the power to do anything?
Only those who faithfully serve him with all their hearts and minds
They do not walk in the counsel of the wicked and mockers
They fear the Lord and follow the path to his righteousness
Praise the Lord who is full of love and compassion for his people
Do not test the Lord again for it grieves his most Holy Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we warned in this psalm about not testing God?