Psalm 129:1-8 “A Song of Ascents. Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up. Let Israel now say: many times they have afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me. The ploughers ploughed on my back. They made their furrows long. The LORD is righteous. He has cut apart the cords of the wicked. Let them be disappointed and turned backward, all those who hate Zion. Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, with which the reaper doesn’t fill his hand, nor he who binds sheaves, his bosom. Neither do those who go by say, ‘The blessing of the LORD be on you. We bless you in the LORD’s name.’ ”

This is a communal lament with vivid imagery. Isreal is battered and bowed, but not defeated! Even in their pain, they turn to God and recognize that He is their refuge and strength. He will avenge them and defeat their enemies.

Prayer: “God, your people have always experienced persecution, and there are many Christians around the world today who are experiencing hatred, torture, prison, and even death. But we trust in your providence, mercy, care and love. Protect your people and put those who wish them harm to shame. May their hatred and nastiness be evident to all, and may it turn others against them.”

For additional worship: The Lord Is Good – Psalm 129