Psalm 55:
12 (11) Ruin is rife within it,
oppression and fraud never leave its streets.
13 (12) For it was not an enemy who insulted me;
if it had been, I could have borne it.
It was not my adversary who treated me with scorn;
if it had been, I could have hidden myself.
14 (13) But it was you, a man of my own kind,
my companion, whom I knew well.
15 (14) We used to share our hearts with each other;
in the house of God we walked with the crowd.
16 (15) May he put death on them;
let them go down alive to Sh’ol;
for evil is in their homes
and also in their hearts.
17 (16) But I will call on God,
and Adonai will save me.
18 (17) Evening, morning and noon I complain
and moan; but he hears my voice.
19 (18) He redeems me and gives me peace,
so that no one can come near me.
For there were many who fought me.
20 (19) God will hear and will humble them,
yes, he who has sat on his throne from the start. (Selah)
For they never change,
and they don’t fear God.
21 (20) [My companion] attacked those
who were at peace with him;
he broke his solemn word.
22 (21) What he said sounded smoother than butter,
but his heart was at war.
His words seemed more soothing than oil,
but in fact they were sharp swords.
23 (22) Unload your burden on Adonai,
and he will sustain you.
He will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
(Complete Jewish Bible
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Have you had a problem that was so great it occupied your thoughts all day long? At work, as you study, even laughing and joking with friends, it looms in the back of your mind? Still, God wants to be ever present in our minds, through a constant whisper of thanks or petition.
The psalmist declares that “evening, morning and noon” he cries out to the Lord in his distress (Psalm 55:17). The brokenness of betrayal is evident. King David was betrayed by someone dearer than a friend–his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15). Yet, David believed that God had good intentions toward him. This kept a prayer on his lips day and night.
The more we cast our cares on the Lord, the more convinced we are that He is on our side. As we cry out, beg, whimper, and plead. His presence ministers peace and hope into a hopeless situation. King David concludes with a dynamic statement of faith: "Bu as for me, I will trust in you" (Psalm 55:22).
Loved one, keep your prayers in a constant state of readiness. Cry out to the Lord whenever about whatever, and the assurance of His care will grow stronger with each passing day.
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Hymn for Today: "Does Jesus Care?" by Frank E. Graeff
Have you had a problem that was so great it occupied your thoughts all day long? At work, as you study, even laughing and joking with friends, it looms in the back of your mind? Still, God wants to be ever present in our minds, through a constant whisper of thanks or petition.
The psalmist declares that “evening, morning and noon” he cries out to the Lord in his distress (Psalm 55:17). The brokenness of betrayal is evident. King David was betrayed by someone dearer than a friend–his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15). Yet, David believed that God had good intentions toward him. This kept a prayer on his lips day and night.
The more we cast our cares on the Lord, the more convinced we are that He is on our side. As we cry out, beg, whimper, and plead. His presence ministers peace and hope into a hopeless situation. King David concludes with a dynamic statement of faith: "Bu as for me, I will trust in you" (Psalm 55:22).
Loved one, keep your prayers in a constant state of readiness. Cry out to the Lord whenever about whatever, and the assurance of His care will grow stronger with each passing day.
***
Hymn for Today: "Does Jesus Care?" by Frank E. Graeff
1. Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
2. Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
3. Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
4. Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Thought for Today: Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.(1 Peter 5:7).
Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Portugal.
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