Thought for the Week: Psalm 73

God My Strength & Shelter                    (Precious Lord Take My Hand)

The modern hymn Precious Lord
Take My Hand was written by black
American Thomas Dorsey, who
started the Gospel genré and is his
greatest composition of 400 songs.
Thomas Dorsey had religion and
music in his blood; born 1899, the
son of a minister & a piano teacher.
He became a professional musician
in 1924 & the following year took up
the post of Musical Director at the
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago.
In August 1932, his wife died during
childbirth and his newborn son died
the following day. Dorsey’s faith took
a severe blow: “I felt God had done
me injustice. I don’t want to serve
Him or write gospel songs. I just
want to go back to the jazz world.”
In the midst of despair, a friend
visited him and left him alone with
a piano. “I found myself playing
a melody and words just fall into
place,” likely inspired by Psalm 73.

Lord, You’re My Strength & Shelter:
I am continually with You; You hold
me by my right hand. You will guide
me with Your counsel, and (then)
receive me to glory (Ps 73:23-24)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
I desire You more than anything
on earth. My health may fail and
my spirit may grow weak, but God
remains the Strength of My Heart;
He is mine forever (Ps 73:25-26).
But as for me, how good it is to
Be Near God! I have made the
Sovereign Lord my Shelter, and
I will tell everyone about the
wonderful things You do (v28).

Lord, You are the Strength of
my heart, and deep inside I know
I can rely on You in any situation.
Although I may face threats to
health, finance, safety & security
in this world, but that isn’t my life
for You are. O Sovereign Lord,
Be Near Me! Help me abide in You
and to stay anchored in You. Amen.

Lord,by faith I make You my Shelter.
I also accept Your Presence and
receive all the blessings You offer.
Grow my faith Lord to be as big
as the gifts You want to give.
And having experienced You,
I will declare to everyone, what
wonderful things You do for me.
I love and adore You, for You are
more precious than anything. Amen

Father, You are with me and are
Holding My Hand. I don’t always feel
it but I depend on Your presence.
Remind me Your eyes are on me and
that You are working on my behalf…
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, thru the night
Lead me on to the light
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Lead me home… Amen & amen.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RaF16IlysQcL

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RaF16IlysQcL

Reflection on Psalm Book Three

Adoring God thru Thanks & Praise

Psalms Book Three mainly written
by Asaph and his descendants
is similar to the book of Leviticus.
Just as Leviticus discusses the
tabernacle and God’s holiness,
many of these psalms discuss the
temple and God’s enthronement.
Because God is almighty, we
can turn to Him for deliverance.
These psalms praise God because
He is holy, and His perfect holiness
deserve our worship & reverence.

On Monday, we learn from Ps 73
that God Is My Strength & Shelter.
On Tuesday, we learn from Ps 77
that Mighty God Performs Miracles.
On Wed, we learn from Ps 79-81
that God Will Come and Save You.
On Thursday we learn from Ps 84
that God Blesses & Satisfies Us.
On Friday, we learn from Psalm 86
that Lord I Need Thee Every Hour.
On Saturday, we learn from Ps 89
that God Offers His Faithfulness.

Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face. Help us O God
be Christ’s disciples who Adore You:
For You are worthy of our Praise
as You are our Strength & Shelter
and You offer Your faithfulness;
For You are worthy of our Thanks
as You Bless and Satisfy us, and
that we Need Thee Every Hour;
For You as Mighty God perform miracles and You come to save us.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.