I'm in one of those seasons. I feel like I'm swimming against the tide. Physically. Financially. Mentally. Spiritually. Nothing seems to be working. Even the flowers I planted are wilted! I'm worn in every way. We all go through these patches. Life seems determined to fall apart. It's almost as if we have a target on our backs and trouble is the arrow.
Many times, my first response is to blame God. I pray and pray and pray during these trouble filled days yet feel like I'm still sinking without anyone to send a lifesaver. But when I awoke this morning I was filled with a new determination to praise God in this difficult stretch. He may not answer the way I want, but I will trust Him all the same.
The Lord led me to Psalms this morning, to His Word that encourages and strengthens. It's my job, and your job to to stand on it, hold onto it, and believe it with all our hearts. Whatever happens, we never lose His love and we never lose our place in Jesus.
Psalm 52:8-9 But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. I will praise You forever, O God, for what You have done. I will trust in Your good name in the presence of Your faithful people.
Psalm 57:1-3, 7 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to You for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to the Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness....My heart is confident in You, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing Your praises!
Psalm 37:3-7 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you Your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from Your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.
The Word of God is our strength, our fortress, our lifeline in times of hardship. It brings us to the Father's heart and assures of His love. This world is filled with trial and trouble. Satan schemes to separate us from God, trying to drive a wedge between the Lord and us. It's very easy to fall prey to His deceptions, to blame God, to wonder where He is, and doubt His love and goodness. It's so easy to fall away when we are worn out. To loose our trust and focus when we feel beaten up by life. I've been leaning in that direction lately, skimping on my prayer time and falling in the blame game. But today, I am choosing a new attitude! It takes stalwart determination to say "NO" to his schemes and remain in a place of trust and that's my new heading. I for one, am tired of falling for Satan's tricks! I will not step out of His love by not trusting His heart.
Lord, I don't know what today is going to bring. Another trial? Another problem? Maybe. More than likely it seems if the past weeks and months are any indication. But I know for sure that it will bring more of Your love and more of Your care. Those things will never fade or leave my life. Problems come and go...problems of all sizes. But You are always bigger than our biggest trial. Lord, whether You take them away, or not, I will praise You this day. I will trust You this day. I will stand in Your love today. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24). I do pray that You would deliver and help, I desperately need some miracles. Lord help me to trust and hang on when that help seems far off or not what I think it should be. Lord let me trust Your heart and not my eyes. In Jesus Name. Amen
Whatever Your facing, God's love will hold you through it. Encourage yourself with His Word and choose trust.
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