“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalms 124:8 CSB
Lord, I am so thankful that I am not in this life to fight on my own. Whether it is my thoughts or the circumstances that drag me down or the suffering of human life, we are not alone! You are not just a person to be with us but the most powerful, infinite, loving and merciful being in existence. I am so thankful that You are with me wherever I go.
“I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven. Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until he shows us favor. Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt. We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.”
Psalms 123:1-4 CSB
God!?!…waiting is hard! Lord…why must we wait so long for Your hand to work? I know that I am wholly dependent on You in everything. I wish that You would answer instantly and completely…remind me that I know better! Most of Your work is completed in our waiting. Help me to be content in the midst of Your working, my waiting. Help me to rest in the confidence of Your perfectly timed work!
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the Lord.” Because of my brothers and friends, I will say, “May peace be in you.””
Psalms 122:1, 8 CSB
What a blessing a church community is. This is literally how I feel each time I am headed to church…it’s time to celebrate because of the friends and community that so faithfully love me, even when things are tough.
God knew what He was doing when He created the local church! Doing life without others encouraging, supporting, reminding and challenging me, would bring about significant doubt, worry, fear and loneliness. But even when I don’t feel like seeing other people I always leave encouraged. What a blessing, rejoice indeed!!!
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.”
Psalms 121:1-2, 5, 7-8 CSB
What better protector could I ask for…the Creator of all things? Nothing is impossible for God to protect us from. Lord help me to always turn to You for help, not my own ideas or money or health…just to You!
“I have dwelt too long with those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
Psalms 120:6-7 CSB
I am struck by this section because it highlights such an important reality: you become like the people you spend time with. It doesn’t matter what your intentions are…you will slowly start to think and act more like your friends every day.
So, choose your friends strategically…think about it: what do you want to be in 5yrs? Lord help me to become more Christlike!
“Let my cry reach you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Let my plea reach you; rescue me according to your promise. My lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue sings about your promise, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your instruction is my delight. Let me live, and I will praise you; may your judgments help me. I wander like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commands.”
Psalms 119:169-176 CSB
“ I wander like a lost sheep; seek your servant”…
Lord sometimes I feel as if I am wondering around aimlessly, give me a clear purpose and direction. I know you have given me general guidance, and I will continue to do those things, but I need you to draw near to me and lead me clearly…I too easily miss your leading as I get distracted by every tasty patch of grass. Help me to hear your voice and be delighted in your presence and purpose alone!
“Princes have persecuted me without cause, but my heart fears only your word. I rejoice over your promise like one who finds vast treasure. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your instruction. I praise you seven times a day for your righteous judgments. Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. Lord, I hope for your salvation and carry out your commands. I obey your decrees and love them greatly. I obey your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you.”
Psalms 119:161-168 CSB
“Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.“ Lord what a privilege to know Your peace. Nothing will throw me off when I trust in Your Word. Understanding what You want me to do in every situation can only come from knowing You and being familiar with the Bible.
Lord, thank you for giving peace because nothing else in the universe gives peace. What a gift! Help me to see Your hand in the midst of all that You are doing in my life!
