I read the words of Psalm 9:9, 12b, The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.”  As I read these verses I thought of those suffering in Gaza and Ukraine.  My prayer, (will you pray it with me?) “LORD Jesus, be their Refuge, their Stronghold in these times of trouble.  Hear their cries.”  Let us not forget to pray for others!  

But also in Psalm 9 is a verse that has had a profound effect on my life, verse 10a , “Those who know Your Name will trust in You.”  I am so very thankful that the Holy Spirit is continually teaching me about the Name(s) / Title(s) of the LORD.  I pray that He will nurture a love for His Name(s) in Your life also; I really do  pray that!

Only one verse from Psalm 39, verse 7, “But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in You.” I love it – simple, but such a great prayer to pray.  Let’s pray it together:  “But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in You.”

Psalm 69  You’re going to see verses 30-31a as the bulletin cover this coming Sunday, “I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.  This will please the LORD.”  That is exactly what we are going to do this Sunday:  We’re going to praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.  And get this:  This will please the LORD!  

And verse 33, “The LORD does not despise His captive people.”  We are His people.   He chose us; we belong to Him.  He set us free from the penalty and the power of sin.  But sadly, there are times when we make poor choices; we disobey; we choose to sin.  And we find ourselves taken “captive” to sin again.  The wonderful news is, even then the LORD doesn’t despise us; on the contrary He loves us.  He waits for us to return to Him in humble confession and repentance.  Never forget these words, “The LORD does not despise His captive people” Psalm 69:33

Have a great day!

Pastor