PSALM 79-81 REFLECTION Asaph has composed these 3 Psalms; the first does not refer to the choirmaster unlike Psalm 80-81. Psalm 79 is Asaph's lament for Israel, where he questions God how much longer will He allow destruction upon Israel. "We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us. How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out Your anger on the nations that do not know You, and on the kingdoms that do not call upon Your Name!" In Asaph agonizing over the state of his home and people, he requests that God turn wrath over to their enemies. The whole reason that God is allowing this evil is for Israel's good as stated in earlier Psalms, but now Asaph seems distraught and although He praises God, he doesn't seem to understand at this moment why God is still allowing it all. God chastises those He loves, and in my experience and Scripture as well I see the repentance and change that comes from it. My heart wanders back to 2 Corinthians 7:10. While this verse is very harsh, it is understandable that God loves His people so much He will use any means necessary to accomplish His will. Next in Psalm 80, Asaph testifies of all the goodness of God, and sings and prays for restoration of Israel. "Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we may be saved!" In Psalm 81, Asaph encourages the people to petition God in unity, in one accord to praise Him and to face this "prophetic hymn." He prophesies through song and urges the people to return to obey God and keep His ways, else they be subdued by their enemies rather than God doing the subduing. what are y'all's thoughts? share in the comments. To read along with my ministry -- join in today @ Iaom1.com -- All are welcome. #Psalms #BibleReading #OldTestament #Redemption

Psalm 62-64 Today's collection of Psalms as performed by a choirmaster. While reading Scripture, I often times hear a song start to play in my head as I read. ESPECIALLY when Psalms which are either prayers or songs of praise. I will post the song that came to mind with this. Verse 4 in book 62 stood out to me: "They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah." There are those that will smile in your face and stab you in your back as soon as you turn around. King David is hurt, and has been betrayed by not only those close to him, but his own son Absalom had once turned against him. He writes of other enemies that aren't specified at times that attack him with no cause or reason. It reminds me of Paul being "buffeted" by Satan's messengers. We must never forget that even our brothers and sisters in Christ can be used by the enemy to distract or destroy us. David cries in Psalm 63 while in the wilderness of Judah that his soul thirsts for God. "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You." #Psalms #Scripture #Faith Join the conversation @ IAOM1.com I have 2 songs that have come to mind while reading: Behold - Pennell & My Soul Longs For You - Jesus Culture https://youtu.be/Ka5R4pR2a3c?is=QKQvBa5ZpjiSQEfd

TODAY'S BIBLE READING REFLECTION IN OT: Psalm 56-61 In all of these Psalms, David is pleading for God to deliver him from his enemies such as Saul in pursuit of him. Psalm 56-59 he is specifically referring to Saul's desire to kill him, and in 59 he writes "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men." He also makes mention in earlier Psalms with specific ways to enact God's vengeance upon David's enemies who seek to do him harm when he has done nothing against them. In Psalm 60-61 David is acknowledging the power and will of God, and praising Him for His refuge and help. God helps us overcome anything, in Him we always have assurance of a great victory. "Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! Selah. For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your Name." David was truly repentant, and loved God with all his heart, mind, and soul. Even in his times of sickness, trauma, and fear he turned to God for rescue. Where does our help come from? The Lord, the Maker of the heavens and earth and the Maker of New Beginnings. *To join the conversation check out IAOM1.com and follow my husband and I through the Bible Reading plan!* #ReadYourBible #Psalms