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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 69:16-36  Listen to Psalm 69:16-36 David continues to ask for quick deliverance from his enemies, appealing to God’s compassion. He has known the goodness of God’s love in his life and knows God’s loving kindness is ‘better than life’ (Psalm 63:3). He doesn’t want to be ignored, but for God to show his face to him. The writer lays out his problems – he has been scorned, disgraced and shamed and has had sympathy from no one. Instead of help they have made things even worse by putting gall (bitter to eat) in his food and vinegar (sour) in his drink. This could be another reference to Christ and his sufferings (see Matthew 27:34 and John 19:28-29). We must be careful not to increase the misery of those who are feeling very low through no fault of their own, but instead try to help them and not to judge. David then asks God to be angry with his enemies and to mete out the punishment they deserve. He wants divine justice upon those who set themselves against the cause of truth and for them not to be listed with the righteous or to enjoy the privileges of the people of God. The writer is pretty angry and we get angry at times. Maybe not always because of what is happening to us, but on others’ behalf, if they are being wronged. We must be careful not to sin in our anger, (Ephesians 4:26) but to use our anger for good and get things done to help those who are suffering injustice. Verse 29 is a turning point and the writer is more sure of his salvation from distress. He praises God in song and thanksgiving and believes his heartfelt devotion is more pleasing to God than animal sacrifices. Everything in heaven, earth and the seas are not big enough to give God the praise that He is due. God will save Zion, the place of God’s habitation, and all those who love God’s name will dwell there. This sounds like a foretaste of heaven. Let’s praise God for his salvation. Lord, we thank you that one day we will dwell with you. ‘We praise your name in song and glorify you with thanksgiving.’