“The great collection of songs and prayers expresses the heart and soul of humanity. In them we find the whole range of human experiences expressed.”
-Life Application Bible
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects them and preserves them — they are counted among the blessed in the land — he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.
Psalm 41:1-3 (NIV)
dal (Hebrew) – weak, poor, needy, humble, haggard, scrawny
Beatitude (blessed) – state of great joy
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
Psalm 41:4-9 (NIV)
Our choice: to abandon God or embrace God
But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.
Psalm 41:10-12 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV)
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
Psalm 41:13 (NIV)
What about you?
Turn away from God or toward God?
Blame God or beseech God?
Abandon God or embrace God?