With the growing number of people getting infected by the COVID-19 virus, President Duterte placed the entire Luzon under a month long Enhanced Community Quarantine (starting March 15 until April 14), in short we are in a lockdown. No outs and ins. We are all advised to stay home and not go out. Hopefully we can all flatten the curve and this quarantine can truly be lifted by then.
These days, people are filled with fear and anxiety but it is a time for us to ask ourselves, in times like this who do we turn to? Who/What is our anchor? As a Christian, I believe that these days of forced rest are days best spend rebuilding bonds and relationships at home. Spend more time with your family. Spend more time digging . I deeper into God’s word. I believe that by doing so, we will realize that we are not wasting away the days.
That is why I have decided to post a Psalm-a-day. This is part of our church’s devotional program. I will start with Psalm 52 and continue daily (Mondays to Fridays) until the quarantine is lifted. I am inviting all of you, no matter which part of the world you may be located to join me as we read and meditate through these Psalms.
Psalm 51 (NLT)
Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.
For I was born a sinner—
yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
But you desire honesty from the womb,
teaching me wisdom even there.
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
and they will return to you.
Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
Unseal my lips, O Lord,
that my mouth may praise you.
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Look with favor on Zion and help her;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—
with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings.
Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.
Daniel's Lighthouse 