Twelve Reflections on the Psalms

Last night, I dreamt the d'NAers had a full scale reunion. One of us (could've been me) remarked, "We haven't had one like this in a long time."

It has just occurred to me that Andrew Abishegam said these same words regarding the upcoming VIOBA Gala Dinner in his reply to Mr Chung's e-mail last month.

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Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

--Psalm 86:11 (NIV)


For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning--

though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

--Psalm 90:4-6,11-12 (NIV)


When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

--Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV)


Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.

--Psalm 97:11-12 (NASB)


I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.

--Psalm 101:3-4 (NASB)


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

--Psalm 111:10 (NIV)


Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.

I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.

My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"

--Psalm 119:36-37,60,81-82 (NIV)


Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

--Psalm 124:8 (NIV)


As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.

--Psalm 125:2 (NIV)


How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

--Psalm 133:1 (NIV)


The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.

Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

--Psalm 135:15-18 (NIV)


Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labour in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

--Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

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The last psalm in this list especially resonates with me.

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.

Father, over the next few years, build the house. Build our house, or else we labour in vain.