July 29
Introduction
Psalm 41: The opening verses of this psalm affirm God’s care for those who are poor and weak and promise that those who are concerned about the poor will be blessed (happy). Verses 4–12 are the writer’s personal lament and request for for forgiveness and healing. The psalm concludes with a doxology (praise to God).
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 41:4
I said, “I have sinned against you, LORD; be merciful to me and heal me.”
Reading
41 Happy are those who are concerned for the poor;
the Lord will help them when they are in trouble.
2 The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives;
he will make them happy in the land;
he will not abandon them to the power of their enemies.
3 The Lord will help them when they are sick
and will restore them to health.
4 I said, “I have sinned against you, Lord;
be merciful to me and heal me.”
5 My enemies say cruel things about me.
They want me to die and be forgotten.
6 Those who come to see me are not sincere;
they gather bad news about me
and then go out and tell it everywhere.
7 All who hate me whisper to each other about me,
they imagine the worst about me.
8 They say, “He is fatally ill;
he will never leave his bed again.”
9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted most,
the one who shared my food,
has turned against me.
10 Be merciful to me, Lord, and restore my health,
and I will pay my enemies back.
11 They will not triumph over me,
and I will know that you are pleased with me.
12 You will help me, because I do what is right;
you will keep me in your presence forever.
13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel!
Praise him now and forever!
Amen! Amen!
Reflect
What is the writer’s prayer (verses 4–12)? What verses express the writer’s trust in God? We call the collection of all 150 Psalms in the Bible the Psalter. The collection is divided into five books, and Psalm 41 closes Book One. Each book in the Psalter concludes with a doxology (an outburst of praise) like the last verse in this psalm (verse 13). What will be your doxology today?
Pray
Lord God, in your mercy, forgive my sins and renew my strength each day. Heal me when I am ill and keep me secure in the shelter of your love and in your presence. I will praise you now and forever. Amen! Amen!
And now, join us in praising God that the light of God’s Word is transforming lives in Liberia. Compassionate and loving God, in Liberia, drug addiction is prevalent among former child soldiers who were introduced to drugs during the 14-year civil war. Thanks to the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners, rehabilitation centers are being equipped to offer Bible-based trauma healing, audio Bibles, and printed Bibles. Understanding your Word, Lord God, in the heart language of the people, is transforming their lives. They are getting to know Jesus as their Savior and becoming followers of Christ. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 130: A prayer for help.
