Sept 13 Even in trials…

Father, whenever I experience trouble let me be like David is here.  He is being hunted for his life, yet his words vacillate between his trouble, his faith in You, and praise for You.  He has not forgotten the trial, but his focus is more on You than it.

Lord, there are times when I too cry out for Your mercy and “take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.”  There, I know I am safe from any and every trouble that befalls me.  You cover me from any danger with Your wings that offer complete and absolute protection.  I know I can trust in Your limitless strength and care.

Father, You already know the difficulties I face.  You see everything.  No one is out to kill me as was David’s case.  But I face problems just living with people because we are all so imperfect and hard to get along with.  I face trials that come with change.  Even when it is a good thing, it can be difficult to cope with change.

There is still illness and death, and so many with financial and emotional suffering.  And the job loss and isolation from the pandemic are still having a devastating effect on so many.  In the midst of this, our country is filled with political division, racial disunity and terrible abuses of authority and power.

I also have internal struggles: feelings that war within me against what I know is right and just.  And I deal with unmet expectations and unfulfilled hopes.  Some struggles are far beyond my ability to affect.

But all these things are in Your hands.  None of them are beyond your help and influence.  No matter the enemy, no matter the plot they have set against me, ”my heart is steadfast” in You.  So like David, I can pray.  “I will sing and make music” and praise You. 

I praise You that there is no other power above You.  I praise You for being Sovereign in all things.  I praise You that nothing can thwart the plans You have.                                                                            

Father, You are the Lord Most High.  There is nothing that can outdo, out power or outlast You.  There is no one as faithful as You.  So I choose to put my focus on You.  I praise and thank You with every breath I take.

I choose to breathe in Your peace, Your comfort, Your wisdom, Your love.  And I breathe out praises and thanks to the One: Majestic in Holiness, Awesome in Glory, Highly Exalted, my God and my King.  Amen

Psalm 57:1-11

Sept 13 Even in trials…

Father, whenever I experience trouble let me be like David is here.  He is being hunted for his life, yet his words vacillate between his trouble, his faith in You, and praise for You.  He has not forgotten the trial, but his focus is more on You than it.

Lord, there are times when I too cry out for Your mercy and “take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.”  There, I know I am safe from any and every trouble that befalls me.  You cover me from any danger with Your wings that offer complete and absolute protection.  I know I can trust in Your limitless strength and care.

Father, You already know the difficulties I face.  You see everything.  No one is out to kill me as was David’s case.  But I face problems just living with people because we are all so imperfect and hard to get along with.  I face trials that come with change.  Even when it is a good thing, it can be difficult to cope with change.

And right now the entire world is still reeling from the impact the corona virus is having.  It has brought illness and death to so many with the financial and emotional suffering that causes.  And the job loss and isolation have been devastating to so many.  In the midst of this, our country is filled with political division, racial disunity and terrible abuses of authority and power.

I also have internal struggles: feelings that war within me against what I know is right and just.  And I deal with unmet expectations and unfulfilled hopes.  Some struggles are more upsetting because they are far beyond my ability to affect, like what’s happening in my nation or the world.

But all these things are in Your hands.  None of them are beyond your help and influence.  No matter the enemy, no matter the plot they have set against me, ”my heart is steadfast” in You.  So like David, I can pray.  “I will sing and make music” and praise You. 

I praise You that there is no other power above You.  I praise You for being Sovereign in all things.  I praise You that nothing can thwart the plans You have

Father, You are the Lord Most High.  There is nothing that can outdo, out power or outlast You.  There is no one as faithful as You.  So I choose to put my focus on You.  I praise and thank You with every breath I take.

I choose to breathe in Your peace, Your comfort, Your wisdom, Your love.  And I breathe out praises and thanks to the One: Majestic in Holiness, Awesome in Glory, Highly Exalted, my God and my King.  Amen

Psalm 57:1-11

July 2 Teach me to number my days aright

Father, You sent word through Isaiah that Hezekiah would die.

I have often wondered: if I could know when I will die, would I want to? It’s an interesting question.

This kind of curiosity started in the Garden of Eden. When the serpent held out the possibility of being ‘like God’, having Your knowledge and wisdom, Eve bit!  But beyond the simple curiosity factor, how would I react if I knew when the end would come?

Even though I know intellectually, that everyone dies, including me, it’s not something I think about from day to day.   I tend to put it out of my mind and live as if I have years or even decades ahead of me. But, if, for instance, I received information that I have a medical condition that comes with an expiration date, it would be a sobering realization.

If I were given such information, would I set about reworking my priorities?   Would I ‘put my house in order’ as Hezekiah was told to do? Would I cry out to You for more time? It would definitely disrupt my thinking, my activities, my attitudes, and the way I relate to people. I would be more motivated to orchestrate my remaining days…

Father, help me live my life now, as if every day were a precious gift from You, not to be wasted or squandered. Show me how to arrange my priorities, recognizing what is really important. Do not let me waste time in foolish pursuits or on meaningless tasks. Show me the godly relationships You want me to cultivate, and how to let go of and separate myself from the ungodly ones.

I want to be thankful for every single day You give me. So I will praise You every day, Father. I worship You for who You are, for Your character that never changes: Your faithfulness, Your gentleness, Your love towards me, Your righteousness and Your omnipotence.

I thank You for all You have done: created this amazing universe, established a way of salvation, given me Your Word for instruction and encouragement.   I appreciate Your hand of protection and provision in my life, as I have food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and freedom.

And when I think about the end of my time here on earth, I have no fear of what comes after. Because I know You, I am not anxious about my future. I know I will spend eternity with You, and I can’t wait! Amen

2 Kings 20:1; Psalm 150:1-6; Psalm 90:12