Psalm 108
Day 108: Be blessed
From verse 7-9 …
“God has spoken. Yesterday was a dark day, a day to cry “Save us!” Today I speak in response to that.
Shechem was the man who raped Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter. Man has come and taken away ruthlessly from you and violated your trust. Yet I come and will turn the experience into a gift.
The valley of Succoth was where Jacob limped to after his struggle with the Angel of the Lord. I will measure off once again an area known as ‘booths’ to become that place of refuge for you. I will protect you, shield and cover you.
Gilead was the mountainous area east of Jordan and what you face is indeed that. But it was also the birth area of the prophet Elijah and you are and will hear my voice again. This mountain that you climb is “in my pocket” (Msg).
Manasseh means to forget but more than what you understand by that word. It is the taking away of something. Yesterday happened, but Manasseh is mine, I have taken it. Say nothing of it (Msg).
Ephraim means “fruitfulness in the land of suffering”. It is my helmet. The defence of your life is that fruitfulness is always found in suffering: this is the heart of mission.
Judah is how I will rule in your life. It means “Let God be praised”. That’s it. Praise is the rule.
Moab was the incestuous son of Lot with his oldest daughter, again an evil history. But Ruth was a Moabite who moved from obscurity to significance. I will mop the floor with your history (msg) and turn things around for you.
Edom was Esau’s nickname, the one who lost his inheritance. Those who trade in what I have given them I spit on (msg).
Philistia was Israel’s arch-enemies, it means ‘a land of wanderers’. This enemy has tried to attack you to deflect you off the path, but I triumph over this.
I have spoken, In triumph I will …. And in triumph I shout!”
Missions Paul 