Day 41

PSALM 41: Deliverance for the one with integrity

1-3 is instruction about who is blessed or happy (technically called a ‘beatitude’). It reminds us of Psalm 1 and other beatitudes in the psalms (32:1-2, 34:8, 40:4). What has been the picture built up in the Psalms of who is truly blessed?

The psalmist seems to be very sick as a consequence of sin and enemies are now gathering around him. Why is he confident God will heal him and save him?

Read John 13:18-30. Jesus identifies his own situation with Psalm 41. How does it feel to know that Jesus experienced betrayal like this?

Verse 13 marks the end of book 1. Compare the ends of books 2-5 (Psalms 72:18-20, 89:52, 106:48 and all of Psalm 150). What do these endings tell us about what Psalms are all about?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for compassion toward the weak and rejoice in the Lord's sustaining mercy.

2. Pray for people at church who are unwell with mental or physical illness. Pray for their healing and for comfort and perseverance through suffering.

3. Pray for Steve Lister as he leads the team at UQES. Pray for wisdom and the grace he needs to serve those who work alongside him.