April 20 – Psalms 41 from the Old Testament

Psalm 41

For the music director; a psalm of David.

41:1 How blessed is the one who treats the poor properly!

When trouble comes, the Lord delivers him.

41:2 May the Lord protect him and save his life!

May he be blessed in the land!

Do not turn him over to his enemies!

41:3 The Lord supports him on his sickbed;

you completely heal him from his illness.

41:4 As for me, I said:

“O Lord, have mercy on me!

Heal me, for I have sinned against you!

41:5 My enemies ask this cruel question about me,

‘When will he finally die and be forgotten?’

41:6 When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly;

he thinks of ways to defame me,

and when he leaves he slanders me.

41:7 All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another;

they plan ways to harm me.

41:8 They say,

‘An awful disease overwhelms him,

and now that he is bed-ridden he will never recover.’

41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted,

he who shared meals with me, has turned against me.

41:10 As for you, O Lord, have mercy on me and raise me up,

so I can pay them back!”

41:11 By this I know that you are pleased with me,

for my enemy does not triumph over me.

41:12 As for me, you uphold me because of my integrity;

you allow me permanent access to your presence.

41:13 The Lord God of Israel deserves praise

in the future and forevermore!

We agree! We agree!