Scripture Reading: Psalm 69:1-36, Psalm 70:1-5, Psalm 71:1-24, Psalm 72:1-20
Last year, I lived through a nightmare. There were days I had trouble distinguishing the agony that tormented my sleep from the pain I tried to pray away in the middle of the day. I couldn’t tell what was real, what we might classify as spiritual warfare, and what was pure insanity. Looking back, I was probably a little too transparent on social media about some of what I was traversing. Even still when I feel a twinge of regret rise up, I read the psalms. David is one of the psalmists who helps me remember that often deep transformation can take place in the moments we feel most vulnerable.
Psalm 69 is one of the psalms many of us turn to when we’re feeling anxious, depressed, or hopeless. The horrors that David shared help us realize we may not be crazy after all. Although fear often paralyzes us, David reminds us that God continues to extend His grace and mercy over us. After all, isn’t that the only reason David could have been so audacious as to continue to call for help from the Lord despite how he struggled?
Psalm 69 was written to the choirmaster, and while we can enjoy the depth of its beauty in our own private Bible study and prayer, it was meant to be recited aloud in a corporate gathering. What hard-fought hallelujahs have you heard about recently? While we all love a good celebration, it’s often the stories others share about past storms that remind us how secure God’s salvation is.
David knew about stormy seasons. As we see from the very first line, he used metaphorical language to capture the torment he endured in his lifetime. Although we don’t know what David was going through to write this particular psalm, we do know how much he suffered throughout his life. Yet what strikes me is that the Lord did seem to answer him even in the short time it takes us to read the thirty-six verses. David began the psalm in despair, detailing the ways he’s grown weary from his crying. As we continue to read, though, we see that by the end of the psalm, David had chosen to trust in God’s salvation, recounting how the Lord listens to the needy. And then it seems he was at peace as he ended the psalm with praise.
I can only imagine the number of people who drew strength from David’s prayers as they were sung. I hope we continue to share the hard things we’ve endured too. When we remind others that God’s salvation is still present in the middle of suffering through the stories we tell, we inspire those whose faith is shaky to keep seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith.
Written by Liv Dooley
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66 thoughts on "Psalms 69–72"
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. Psalm 71:14
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Amen ❤️
Amen!
As I’ve shared here several times, the last 18 months have been the hardest I’ve faced. But God. He has used this time to draw (drag?) me near, to force me to rely on him, to refine my faith and strengthen our relationship. My heart has been crushed by these trials, but I’m getting to a place where I can count them joy for what they’ve given me. I long for the day I can tell my hard fought hallelujah story but I also hope that I never forget or lose the desperation I had for Christ in my darkest moments. I chose Psalm 71:14 – But I will hope continually and will praise you more and more.
Amen Lauren. Praying this test will becoming your testimony and thankful you are starting to see light.
Ahh, Lauren.. You do not journey alone, you’re sisters here walk alongside silently in prayer..
Keep going, keep trusting, keep holding on to the One who knows, sees and carries you in your pain and hurt..
He is near to you, always.. And we are here for you..❤
Hard seasons are so hard, but I have learned that we should never wish away the times that keep us crying out to Jesus. Hold onto hope and keep praising. He is always there ❤️
My verse today is Psalm 69:13
“But as for me, Lord, my prayer to you is for a time of favor.”
I’m going through something difficult now and this verse reminds me I can keep bringing my prayers to God, trusting that His mercy and timing are good
“May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!””
(Psalm 70:4)
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In seasons of prosperity, joy is a reflex. When our health is good, our bills are paid, and our relationships are flourishing, our external circumstances align with our internal desires. We see tangible “proof” of goodness, making it easy to conclude that God is great. There is no emotional “weight” to lift. Gratitude becomes natural from a comfortable life rather than a disciplined choice. In hardships, when the salvation or relief we long for hasn’t arrived yet, saying “God is great” can feel challenging. Pain is loud, it demands all our attention, it is like a thick fog. When we are grieving or in want, the brain is wired to focus on survival and loss, not truths. Oh humans, how fragile we could be. The famous instruction in James 1:2 to “count it all joy” when facing trials, now it is about re-evaluation. Afflictions are not “dead ends” but “refineries”. The word “count” (or “consider”) is a financial term. It means to make a mental calculation. We are deciding that the trial has a hidden value. Reminds me of the term “Count your blessings one by one”, same as “Count all trials joy”. There is an endurance factor here, trials produce steadfastness. In the biblical view, a perfected character is more valuable than a comfortable life. David’s tears in the Psalms are a raw reflection of a life lived in the extremes. His lamentations are from burning “refineries”, the specific trials that shaped his character and his writing. Now do you think our refineries are designed by GOD specifically for our own shaping? Perhaps 100%. This is a tough one, the refinery of betrayal and isolation, David speaks of the sting of being abandoned by close friends and family. He describes his throat being “parched” from crying and his eyes failing while waiting for help. For those of us who experience family estrangement and friend betrayal, it can take so long to heal. This refinery stripped away David’s reliance on human institutions and titles. It forced him to find his identity not in his great status as a warrior or a king, but in his relationship with the Divine. And then, the refinery of physical and mental exhaustion, “I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears”, I am sure many of us have tasted this refinery to some degrees, this is the stripping of self sufficiency. Ouch. I wish it could be easier, but it is not our call. Without suffering, would we ever have mercy and tenderness on the suffering of others, would we ever become a source of comfort?
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We are commanded to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
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The danger of avoiding pain, when one refuses or skips the “refining” of GOD, one will avoid the humility, and repentance that only hardship brings forth. One might shrug and walk on and say “I have no idea” why it is so hard, why it takes so long, one then fails to recognize the quiet suffering of others, fails to relate, because of pride and the detachment from pride, one can assume their experience is universal. The issue is not merely that they haven’t suffered, it is that they have not allowed suffering to teach them. They miss the transformation that God intends through it. Treasure the sufferings. Treasure the lessons. So if we sit here today, and go through the extreme pain of the man “who is after God’s own heart”, who is also a mighty military warrior, a king, a once shepherd boy who courageously faced and killed Goliath, whose pain is recorded in these poems, we might as well count our precious afflictions, and count them through the lenses of joy and thankfulness. Face the lessons that God intended for us through them. The groaning that we endure will be transformed into a source of comfort for others, to point to the hope in GOD through the valleys of shadows of death, and not just to gloat on the mountaintops. The beauty of pain is, we develop empathy, humility, and most of all we know the comfort of GOD, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “God comforts us so that we can comfort others in their affliction”. He is close to the brokenhearted. Don’t rush through pain, but extract the lesson. It is the precious oil in the crush of the press. Without that refining of pain, we may remain emotionally and spiritually shallow, never truly confronting pride, fear, selfishness, or indifference.
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May we come to realize this truth as this same king who later wrote, “it was GOOD for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes” Psalm 119:71.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
So good Mrecy, spot on!
“The issue is not merely that they haven’t suffered, it is that they have not allowed suffering to teach them. They miss the transformation that God intends through it.
Yes! Lord, don’t let me MISS what you have for me. You always have purpose in our pain! A message in our mess, a testimony in the test!! And then, we GET to help others! God will give you just the person you can touch and share God’s Glory!
Mercy, I love your comment, so true! So good!❤❤
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Good afternoon ladies! The time change had me all messed up. Here is our ever growing list of prodigals. If you want to add yours, comment below my name.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 26:18:… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.”
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- our Jake, Cece & Elijah
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
God is so intentional and timely.
Psalm 69: 17
“Answer me, Lord,
for your faithful love is good.
In keeping with your abundant compassion,
turn to me.”
My verse of the day…days.
As I encounter health things unknown,
I lean on the One who knows all things.
For me, with me, through me.
His mercy has no bounds.
Praise His Holy Name.
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At first, I thought he was writing a Psalm while drowning, but then God rescued him.
“But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalms 69:29-30 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.69.29-30.NIV
I’ve prayed this Psalm many times when in pain. Even this last month has been very hard for me but I know if I cry out to Him, He hears me and sees me and will walk with me always! Don’t lose heart if you feel alone in your pain or depression because that is a lie of the enemy! We are never alone, God walks with us through every trial, trouble, pain and HE SEES you! He loves you! Just “go to the Rock!”
Praying for all!
FIRST, Thank YOU my sweet, sweet She’s!
I drafted my comment but before hitting the post comment button, I went to read your comments! MY heart! I am so encouraged and feel SO loved! Thank you for your faithful prayers!! I know that I know my Jesus is coming with me! Okay.. here’s my comment: “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again;…..” Psalm 71:20 And YES God’s salvation is still present in the middle of suffering. Agree 100 percent! And more! The timing of these Psalms and devotion by Liv is “perfect!” This morning of March 9th came and my court hearing is at 8:30 AM. Praying for the Judge to have favor on me and hoping this will be the end, although I have another court date set for May 1st, I’m hoping we can get everything done and that date be vacated. I’m feeling strong (though didn’t sleep much) because you all and praying for me! I went up for prayer at church yesterday. I’m still fairly new, however, I am supported!! Already my Jesus has done so much for me! I am strong because HE is strong for me. My dependence is solely on HIM! I could never do this alone. I love you all so much! Also grateful for my friend Theresa who will be accompanying me.
Praying for you!
Praying sister that God gives you grace and fights the battle for you.❤️
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So many phrases in these Psalms reflect my own thoughts and the pleas and cries that I have poured out…. Save me, I am worn out, I pray to you, O God, Answer me, Come near, Rescue me, Come quickly, Help me. And without fail in the same breath, I am reminded that In His great love, he answers, he rescues and he turns to me and protects (69:13,14,16,29). I can praise him because he is my help, my deliverer refuge, my hope, he is Sovereign, he is righteous (69:30, 70:5, 71:1,3,5,14,19).
When we are at the end of ourselves, feeling hopeless there is great comfort in knowing we can lament and pour it all out like David did – we do not have to hide our cries from the Lord. But we too can be reminded that Lord is so very near. He does not leave us in the place of lost, broken and hopeless and because of that we can eek out praise to Him knowing He is steadfast and faithful. I am so thankful for God’s Word that reminds me of all of these.❤️
Thanks to Liv’s writing today that also reminds of the significant importance of giving testimony, praise and honor to God’s presence and hand at work in our lives. Yes, we can praise Him on our own, but testifying to His faithfulness is so important.
“I hope we continue to share the hard things we’ve endured too. When we remind others that God’s salvation is still present in the middle of suffering through the stories we tell, we inspire those whose faith is shaky to keep seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith.” Liv Dooley
We have to tell our stories, sisters, tell the great things he has done.
‘My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I, whom you have redeemed.’ Psalm 71:23
❤️ tell our stories…Amen.
Psalm 70:18 spoke to me this morning. “Even while I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, while I proclaim your power to another generation, your strength to all who are to come.”
Although I do not feel old and gray, my husband and I are in our 60’s and work almost 100% with the younger generations through our church (who I work for) and his ministry. I do want to keep being effective and impactful to the next generations. Asking God to strengthen all you She’s who are of the older generation to keep going, loving and reaching those younger than us. You make an impact. I find so many longing for that guidance and mentorship and God calls us to impact those behind us. May God strengthen so many of you that I know are doing God’s kingdom work later into your years. Stay strong and keep it up! “Proclaim his power to the next generation!”
Amen!
Yes, my sister She, there IS “plenty good room (and works!) in our Father’s kingdom! Amen & Amen!
Amen!
‘When we remind others that God’s salvation is still present in the middle of suffering through the stories we tell, we inspire those whose faith is shaky to keep seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith.” AMEN Liv Dooley! WE need to be there for others. To tell them of God’s love and faithfulness- believers and not. Oh how powerful our testimonies are! Our stories point to His Glory. We are not overcomers on our own, God’s hand is always there guiding and helping us. Let us let it be known! Not boasting of our own strength and courage, but his fortifying us to have that strength and courage, because we KNOW of his faithful love! Oh- on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!
“When darkness veils His lovely face
I’ll rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy day
My anchor holds within the veil…”
That was such a hallmark song of all my years growing up in the little Methodist church up the road! I love all the hymns that are my anchor and rock!
Have you shared your testimony lately? Ever? You need to if your answer is no! Pray for God to give you a chance to share it! Have it prepared, work it out on a sheet of paper…my mess or test, how Jesus met me there, the change afterwards!
Prayers for you Mari V! You got this with YOUR Jesus!!
I GET to take a butterfly this morning to an appointment. It will be good to see her! She has been doing good since her release over a year and half ago!! Clean and sober, working, in school- getting her BA in social work, with emphasis on addictions!! Using her test for the good the others!! Halelu-JAH!!
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Ps 69:1a,3
1a,Save me, O God!
3, I am weary with my crying;
My throat is dry;
My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
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We know exactly how David felt in his despair. It was so clear that I had to swallow when I read verse 3. We feel it in despair, in grief, when we’ve cried to the point we think there couldn’t be any more tears yet there are, in those times when we’ve run out of our own options. Save me, guide me, help me, O God, when I am in those times and when I’m not.
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When I read the subtitle for Ps 71, God the Rock of Salvation, another oldie came to mind.
Written by Dottie Rambo, 1977, I Go To The Rock.
Many similarly titled songs but I found the real thing both in a Larnelle Harris, 1998 Gaither Live at Bethel Tabernacle Wesleyan Campground video, and also on the soundtrack from The Preacher’s Wife, Whitney Houston (Not advocating for the movie or remainder of soundtrack – found and listened to just this one song, no knowledge of remainder or movie).
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Where do I go when there’s no one else I can to turn to?
Who do I turn to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?
I go to the Rock, I know He’s able, I go to the Rock .
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Chorus:
I go to The Rock for my salvation
I go to the stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
When the earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand
When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock .
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Where do I hide till the storms have all passed over?
Who do I run to when the winds of sorrow threaten?
Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation?
When my soul needs consolation, I go to the Rock
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MARI V praying for today’s court hearing
ABIGAIL praying for your friend and the medical mission trip to Liberia
Love this song by Dottie Rambo!
Great share!
The song- I think I’ve mentioned before about the young lady that sang it at church close to 50 years ago! I still can’t think of that song/words without remembering her! ❤
Psalm 71:5 really stood out to me:
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.”
This verse felt really personal. It reminds me that faith is something that grows over a lifetime, and I’m so grateful for my relationship with the Lord that began when I was very young. Looking back and seeing His faithfulness through every season is such a gift and such a steady reminder of where my hope truly comes from.
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Amen
“For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.” I’m praying today for the safety and success of my friend who departs for Liberia on a medical mission this week. I pray for all those who serve with their hands and feet via world missions, to bring Jesus’ love and help to those in need!
Joining you in prayer Abigail!
Praying
Amen!
Amen ❤️
Be a rock of refuge for me, where I can always go.
Help me always remember to turn to You first, Lord ❤️
“When we remind others that God’s salvation is still present in the middle of suffering through the stories we tell, we inspire those whose faith is shaky to keep seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our faith.”
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Telling our stories framed in the greatness of our God is the key, for if we are complaining or grumbling, we are not pointing to our Deliverer and Fortress.
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Thanks be to God, for His longsuffering and steadfast love.
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MARI V – God is with you. May He give you stregth and peace for the court hearing today ❤️❤️
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MISHERRY – how is your friend and his 4 yr old that were in a car accident? Continuing to pray for their healing
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ANNA FAITH – continuing to pray the Lord provides a replacement car for you.
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FOSTER MAMA – continuing to pray for your foster son’s potential adoption and for the Lord to bring you peace and wisdom.
Amen Kelly! Such a good reminder to check my attitude. May we be an encouragement to believers and attractive to non-believers.
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Praying
Thank you for remembering this young family in your prayers. Last I heard, Dad’s surgery went well and the 4 yr old was making progress without invasive intervention. So I’m believing God is showing His healing power in their possibly long recovery. God is good and working even when we can’t see it.
These are words I know all too well!
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Save me, God..
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My eyes fail, looking for God..
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God, you know my foolishness..
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Rescue me..
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Answer me, Lord..
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Come near redeem me..
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I will praise God’s name..
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I could probably write my own psalm based on these words..
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BUT GOD..
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As often as I have used these words, He has doubly and then some, made sure all is well..
He had heard before I opened my mouth.
He had been present before I needed a hug, He had been there when all seemed lost.
He rescued me, when the going got tough..
He has had my back, even when I have not known it..
He has never left me, always present, always near, ever faithful, ever sure..
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I will forever sing His praise for I know my God is with me, always.
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May My lips and actions be a source of worship in what I do and say, Lord God, may I, forever sing of your great love..
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Amen..
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Happy Monday, my dears. Not so sunny here, but a day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it..
Much !ove, always covered in prayers ❤❤
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Beautiful, Tina ❤️
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Thank you, Tina for sharing God’s faithfulness in your life. It brings encouragement to me this morning.
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Amen Tina ❤️