December 5
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PSALM 84 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, at your altars,
O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
– Psalm 84:1-7
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My entire being longs to be with you O Lord
Give me grace to be strong to overcome this world
O Lord of hosts, bless me to continue to praise only you
There are so many distractions in my life that hinders what is true.
Let me never rely on my own strength or understanding
Instead, give me remembrance of the Holy Spirit’s teachings
Remind me that your Son, Jesus was sacrificed to cleanse me of sin
Let it be engraved in my heart to be courageous to endure suffering.
Each time I get tempted to be self-reliant, prod me to sense your presence
Every occasion to think I am right, humble me so I can be reminded
Give me humility to find strength in you when I am weak and weary
Let me not fear struggles and suffering so I can grow spiritually.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it very vital for Christians not to be independent and proud people according to this psalm?
• Do you think self-reliance and independence is against God’s laws? Why or why not?