In the Horn of Africa, a myriad of beliefs and manmade traditions have infiltrated its rich cultural origins. There lies a plea, a prayer, a yearning to return to the ways of old—a call to abandon false religions and embrace the path of truth and faith that once brought peace and ያሁኣ's protection upon the land. The words from Tehillim (Psalms) 86:2-17, resonate deeply in this region, where the struggle for identity and purpose has been an enduring challenge.
Tehillim (Psalms) 86:2-4 "Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save your servant, who puts his trust in you because you are my Mighty One. Take pity on me, ያሁኣ, for I cry to you all day. Fill your servant’s heart with joy, for to you, ያሁኣ, I lift my heart."
In these verses, we find a plea for preservation, faith, and trust in ያሁኣ. The call to abandon false religions is an invitation to turn towards our genuine, unwavering faith—a faith that can provide the strength needed to navigate the challenges of discord, violence, and internal destruction.
Tehillim (Psalms) 86:5-8 "ያሁኣ, you are kind and forgiving, full of grace toward all who call on you. Listen, ያሁኣ, to my prayer; pay attention to my pleading cry. On the day of my trouble I am calling on you, for you will answer me. There is none like you among the 'false gods', ያሁኣ; no deeds compare with yours."
These verses remind us of ያሁኣ's compassion, and how he listens to our prayers and forgives our shortcomings. It is an assurance that turning away from false beliefs and embracing him will not go unanswered. There is no comparison to his strength, power, and might. The dead know nothing and cannot save nor protect.
Tehillim (Psalms) 86:9-10 "All the nations you have made will come and bow before you, ያሁኣ; they will honor your name. For you are great, and you do wonders; you alone are Supreme."
A powerful reminder that faith in ያሁኣ transcends borders and all the nations in power will be brought low and made to serve ያሁኣ. False religions and the idolatrous worship of men have been used to manipulate us for thousands of years. ያሁኣ is showing us his greatness as the one true Supreme Being.
Tehillim (Psalms) 86:11-13 "ያሁኣ, teach me your way, so that I can live by your truth; make me single-hearted, so that I can reverence your name. I will thank you, ያሁኣ my Mighty One with my whole heart; and I will glorify your name forever. For your grace toward me is so great! You have rescued me from the lowest part of Sh’ol."
Turning away from false religions means seeking the path of truth and devotion to ያሁኣ alone. It is an opportunity to live a life in alignment with his divine guidance, offering gratitude for the grace that saves from despair's depths.
Tehillim (Psalms) 86:14-17 "ያሁኣ, arrogant men are rising against me, a gang of brutes is seeking my life, and to you they pay no attention. But you, ያሁኣ, are a merciful, compassionate Emperor, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth. Turn to me, and show me your favor; strengthen your servant. Give me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, because you, ያሁኣ, have helped and comforted me."
The call to abandon false religions and idolatrous worship is the only way to issue in the protection of ያሁኣ. In the face of adversity, it is an appeal for divine strength, mercy, and a sign of favor that can serve as a testament to ያሁኣ's great power and faithfulness to deliver his people when they turn and cry out to him.
In the Horn of Africa, as our people grapple unsuccessfully with the complexities of faith and true spiritual identity, the words from Tehillim (Psalms) offer a timeless message—a call to turn away from false religions and embrace the pleas of ያሁኣ to seek the old path that brings life-giving truth that has the power to preserve, heal, and unite. May this plea resonate deeply and lead us to a brighter future away from ያሁኣ's wrath for all who heed his call.
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