“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Last night and this morning as I was reading the Psalms I noticed a common theme: a cry for God to deliver and protect His servant from “shame” (Psalms 20-31).
The writer of these Psalms was greatly afflicted, and from the text it is apparent that his affliction was not just spiritual or emotional, but also physical. He was suffering in body as well as in mind and in spirit. So what does he do? He cries to His God for salvation. He pleads for deliverance and for the strength to endure the “battle” he was experiencing.
Darkness manifests itself in many forms (discouragement, disillusionment, loneliness, fear, and anxiety) and even a servant of God can feel like they are being swallowed by these emotions.
I was greatly encouraged as I continued to read the prayers of this man (men). Here are a few excerpts:
“To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed . . . “
“For the king trusts in the Lord; and through the loving-kindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.”
“Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. . . “,
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life. . . .”
“For He has not despised . . . the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He heard.”
“ . . . let your heart live forever!”
“The voice of the Lord is powerful . . . “
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me . . . comfort me . . . goodness . . . will follow me . . . I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
“I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to You for help and You healed me. . . . You have kept me alive . . . “
“Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.”
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
He is peace, joy, and our shield. “Trust in Him at all times!”
Stephanie
www.stephaniestaples.com
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