Daily Bible Reading — Sustained By God’s Word Of PraiseEsimerkki

November 24 Introduction Today’s reading is another royal psalm that celebrates God’s powers and virtues, and it contains a number of similarities to Psalm 18 (see the readings from November 17 and 18). What Psalm 18 describes as God’s actions on David’s behalf, in Psalm 144 they become requests for God to act. This change suggests the new situation after the end of the kingdom of David (586 B.C.) The “enemies” and “foreigners” mentioned in verses 6, 7, and 11 are the nations that oppressed God’s people during the exile and after their return. The psalm concludes with a prayer for the nation. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 144:15b Happy are the people whose God is the LORD! Today’s Reading Psalm 144 Reflect How is God described in verses 1 and 2? (see also Psalm 18:1, 2). Verse 3 recalls Psalm 8:4. What does this verse, along with verse 4, indicate about the writer’s thoughts? What does the psalm writer ask of God (verses 5-8)? Reread verses 12-14 which envisions a well-structured society. How would you paraphrase these verses for a vision of society today? Pray I praise you, Lord, because you are my protector and defender, my shelter and my savior, in whom I trust for safety. Reach down and touch me, O God, and embrace me in your loving care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking safety and need protection Tomorrow’s Reading Psalm 145: A hymn proclaiming God’s greatness.