Psalm Friday

We are not Alone!

"Psalm of the Day"

Psalm 12

* Pray. Ask God to give you an open heart and mind to learn new truths from His Word. Read Psalm 12 through three times. Record any thoughts or questions you have in your journal. If a verse stands out to you, write it on an index card and begin committing it to memory.

Psalm 12 is a Psalm of David believed to have been written during a time of great opposition from Saul.

Do you ever feel like you are among a den of lions alone? As I began reading this Psalm, I couldn’t get past the first few verses,

“Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.” Psalm 12:1

David felt as if he were alone, as if all the godly men were gone. As he looked around in his time of need, he saw no one who could physically help him or stand by his side. Those around him talked a good talk but none of them were walking the walk. David needed encouragement; but those around him spoke empty words and boasted in themselves, not the Lord.

One thing that God absolutely detests is pride. It reminds me of King Nebuchadnezzar when the Lord brought him lower than low after his twelve month period of self righteous indignation (Daniel 4:28-37). King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God has the power to knock the proud man off his perch; and He will do it if need be.

David needed someone and somewhere safe to run to. He was being oppressed and he was alone. God promised him (verse 5) that He was about to rise up and bring David into a safe place. I can just picture God stretching out His arms and pulling David a little closer to His side. When a man or woman of God cries out to the Most High, He performs all things for the benefit of His people (Psalm 57:2). God may not change the circumstance we are in, but He does promise to hide us in the shelter of His mighty wing.

In times of aloneness we can cling to God’s promise of safety and rest because His words are pure and true. What He says He will do, He will do. He promises to keep and preserve the righteous. I looked up the meaning of these two words in the original Hebrew language. I love what they mean. Keep is the transliteration of the Hebrew word shamar meaning to hedge about. Preserve is the transliteration of the Hebrew word natsar meaning to guard. God is going to place a hedge of protection around His people and He is going to stand guard against the enemy. Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Do you see it? God promises to protect us. He doesn’t promise that all of life’s experiences are going to be pleasurable and without heartache, but He does promise to fight for us. David was not all alone. He may not have had a man to stand with him, but David had God to stand for him.

Questions to Answer- Thoughts to Ponder
In times of aloneness, who do you turn to? How comforting is it for you to know that God is with you through everything in life that you will face?

If another person was in a time of need, would he/she be able to look to you as a man or woman of God or would they say “there is none faithful among me”?

What areas of your life need to be purified to make you more like Christ? Turn those areas over to God right now and allow Him to perform might things for you.

Oh, Father how I praise You today. You are my shield and my strong tower. In You, I can be safe and find rest. Thank You that You promise to protect me from the enemy. Reveal to me areas in my life that need to be purified and refined by you. Mold me and make me into the Godly woman You have created me to be. Spill forth from my life making known Your glory to all those around. Amen.

Who are you Attached to?

I’ve been reading through 1 Samuel during my times with the Lord in the mornings. He has been speaking to me A LOT about A LOT of stuff. Do you have lots of stuff that needs to be spoken to by the Lord? I think if we’re all honest with ourselves, we all have areas in our lives that could use a little tiding up!

Let me give you a little background to 1 Samuel 1. Elkanah, Hannah, his wife, and Peninnah, his other wife, have traveled to house of the Lord for their yearly offering of sacrifice and worship. Hannah’s heart is deeply burdened because her womb is barren. Peninnah is constantly taunting Hannah causing her more grief. And Elkanah, well, bless his heart, he is pretty much clueless to what’s going on.

As I read through this chapter, I was struck by what verse 10 says. Hannah approached the LORD in prayer with a heart that was bitter. Two things God revealed to me in this verse.
God wants us to come to Him as we are. No facades. No masks. He wants up front, honest, realness (is that a word?). After all, He is God and already knows the true condition of our hearts, so why not let it all hang out.

Yes, Hannah was bitter, but she didn’t unload her bitterness on those around her expecting them to solve her problems. She took that bitterness to God, knowing and believing that He was the One to handle the situation.

Hannah’s heart was grieved to the very core of her being. Her husband didn’t know how to comfort her, Peninnah, the other wife, taunted her, and the priest thought her ramblings were a result of her being drunk. What was Hannah to do? How would she make it through this difficult time? Here’s what she did. She went before the Lord and poured out her heart at His feet. She had faith and great trust in her God; she knew He would comfort her, love her, and meet her needs- and He wouldn’t think she was crazy or drunk.

“I have… poured out my soul before the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:15b, NKJV

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8, NKJV

To trust in God means that one has literally attached oneself to Him. It means that through the good times, the bad times, and those times of uncertainty- when all those around us have turned their backs- we can make it through the valley because we are attached to God and He will carry us if need be.

When I was growing up we had a black lab named Jake. He was notorious for catching opossums, bringing them up on the porch, and leaving them, alive mind you, there for us to enjoy. How sweet of him. On one particular occasion, Jake brought home a momma opossum that had babies. These babies were attached to their momma’s belly. I remember going out on the porch with my dad to get a better look at the babies. It is true that opossums do really play dead so we were able to do this. We knelt down beside the momma and my dad tried to pick up one of the babies. He grabbed it and began pulling, but nothing happened. He gave a few more tugs, but still nothing. It was like those babies had been sown to their momma’s belly. They were literally attached to their momma; there was no way they were coming off. These babies needed to be attached to her because she was their lifeline; without her they would die.

You and I must be so attached to God that no storm can pull us away, no attack from the enemy can loosen our grip, and no person can sever our connection to our lifeline, because like those baby opossums, without our lifeline, we will die. Hannah had attached herself to the only One who would be able to sustain her during this time.

Hannah’s heart was bitter and her heart was grieved, but she didn’t take that bitterness and grief to those around her. She took her hurting heart to the Lord and gave it all to Him. She poured out, literally spilled forth, her soul to Him. To put it in our language, she spilled the beans to the One who could heal her heart and truly understand her pain. Don’t get me wrong- we need people who we can talk to and confide in- people who will listen and offer, not their opinion, but Godly wisdom. But, we must guard against attaching ourselves to them- they are not God. Like Hannah, we must attach ourselves to God Almighty and spill the beans to Him. He is the only One who can mend all our wounds, turn our mourning into dancing, and put a new song of gladness into our hearts.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Who have you attached yourself to?
Who are you trusting in?
Who are you spilling the beans to?

Attach yourself to God. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.

Too Funny not to Share!

Ok, so the other day we (my three kids and I) are on our way to the store and this is what is going on in the back seat.

*Princess Momma (my oldest daughter who is 8)- to her brother- “Why did the chicken cross the road?”

*Mighty Warrior- (5 year old son)- “I don’t know. Why?”

*Princess Momma- “To get to Chick-fil-A. Get it? To get to Chick-fil-A. Funny, huh!?!”

*Mighty Warrior- replies with a little enthusiasm in his voice- “Yea, that’s funny.”

I chuckle under my breath. The conversation continues much to Mighty Warrior’s demise.

*Princess Momma- “Why did the bee get married?”

*Mighty Warrior- replies with much less enthusiasm this time- “I don’t know. Why?”

*Princess Momma- “Because he found his honey. Get it? He found his honey. Bees. Honey. That’s a funny one, right?”

*Mighty Warrior- By this time he is totally not into her joke telling. “Uh… your jokes are not funny.”

I am trying my best to keep from wrecking the van because of my hysterical laughing. Tears are streaming down my face.

*Princess Momma- “Knock, knock.”

*Mighty Warrior- “ Ugh!!!! Please don’t tell anymore jokes!”

I can’t help but go into the “can’t breathe because I’m laughing so hard” laugh.

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3, NLT

Hug your children, laugh with your children, love your children. They are blessings from above!

Psalm Friday

A little housekeeping before our "Psalm of the Day". For those of you who've been walking with me in this journey into blog world so far, you'll remember that at the beginning of the year I told you we were going to be going through the Psalms. Well, we are going to continue doing that just in a little different way. The "Psalm of the Day" will now be posted on "Psalm Friday". I'm devoting our times together on Friday to only doing a Psalm. Its seems that the Lord has been showing and teaching me so much lately and I want to be able to share it all with you, so I think Psalm Friday is the answer.

Also, be sure to invite all your friends to visit By His Grace. We will be having another giveaway very soon! And... I just want all of you to know how much it blesses my heart to hear how God is working in each of your lives, hearts, and marriages- Praise His name! Keep those comments coming!

Now for the "Psalm of the Day"...

"Psalm of the Day"

Psalm 11

Bring it On!

* Pray. Ask God to give you an open heart and mind to learn new truths from His Word. Read Psalm 11 through three times. Record any thoughts or questions you have in your journal. If a verse stands out to you, write it on an index card and begin committing it to memory.

“The LORD tests the righteous.” Psalm 11:5a, NKJV

Have you ever been tested by God? How did you receive that time of testing? Did you embrace it or balk at it? Times of testing from the Lord should result in a deeper faith in Him, a more Godly character, and a hope in the God who will sustain us through those times if we stay focused on Him.

Anytime I think about the testing on one’s faith, I can’t help but think about Job. Most would look at his situation- the fact that he lost everything he owned: his oxen, donkeys, sheep, servants, camels, house, sons and daughters, the fact that his health was attacked, his wife told him to curse God and die, and his friends tried to offer comfort, but were clueless as to what was really going on- most would look at all this and say, “Oh, bless his heart!” and shake their heads in pity for him. God didn’t shake His head in pity over Job’s situation, but instead held His head high with much pride in His heart because He knew the heart of His righteous servant Job and He knew Job would remain steadfast and come out of this with a deeper faith and love for Him.

God tests those whom He loves to develop within us patience, purity of heart, and confidence in Him.

The next time God sends a test your way, embrace it- because when all is said and done you will emerge from that time of testing looking more like Jesus.

“but we also glory (rejoice) in tribulations (tests) knowing that the tribulations produces (accomplishes, works fully) perseverance (patience); and perseverance, character (proof of purity of heart) and character, hope (confidence in, faith in).”

Romans 5:3-4, NKJV (with original Greek meanings added)

Sing Praises to God!

I absolutely love music. We always have some type of praise and worship music playing in our house. I bought a new CD this week and I have to say it's probably one of my very favorite CD's as a whole. I want to share with you a song from it that spoke volumes to me. The name of the song is "Vision of You" by Shane and Shane from their Pages album. I don't know about you, but I've needed a fresh vision of God in my life lately. Life happens and our focus tends to shift more to what is going on around us instead of the God who is right in front of us. Forgive us Lord! Awaken our souls and tune our hearts back to You, O God.

Come meet us, King Jesus.

Oh wind of change blow through this temple.

Sweet Spirit of God, come and mend our hearts.

For all we have are songs,

Unless You come...

Awaken what's inside of me.

Tune my heart to all You are in me.

Even though You're here, God come.

And may my vision of You be the death of me.

And even though You've given everything, Jesus come.

Come free us, King Jesus.

It's the only way that freedom's given.

From You and You alone,

In the work You've already done.

For all we have are songs,

Unless You come...

Awaken what's inside of me

Tune my heart to all You are in me.

Even though You're here, God come.

And may my vision of You be the death of me.

And even though You've given everything, Jesus come.

Here we are, Lord in this place.

Crying out for Your embrace.

To hear Your voice.

More than songs,

Oh please come... Jesus come.

Awaken what's inside of me.

Tune my heart to all You are in me.

Even though You're here, God come.

And may the vision of You be the death of me.

And even though You've given everything, Jesus come.

"Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!" Psalm 47:6

Put in your favorite praise and worship music and lift your hands in praise to the Creator of the Universe! Happy praisin'!

Loving Your Husband More

I stand corrected, convicted, and put in my place. My husband came home from work last night to a messy kitchen and chicken nuggets and French fries for dinner. As I sat at the kitchen counter gathering all my Bible study stuff together to go meet with the young girl I’m mentoring I heard him mumble under his breath as he surveyed the kitchen, “I feel like I have two jobs.” “Excuse me,” I said, extremely offended by his comment. I continued the conversation giving no thought to what was about to come out of my mouth, “now you know how I feel everyday trying to home school your 8 year old daughter who thinks she already knows everything, trying to keep your 5 year old son from breaking his neck because he absolutely has no fear of anything dangerous, and following around your 9 month daughter who is just like her brother (everything becomes his when I’m trying to prove a point J).” Then came the grand finale- as I sat up a little straighter on my perch, I exclaimed, “not only am I doing ALL that, I am also teaching and writing a Bible Study, mentoring, writing the women’s newsletter, planning women’s ministry stuff, writing on the blog, and (this had to be said because it involved him) I’m helping you with Sunday School. So, yes, the kitchen in a mess and if you don’t want to clean it up (I thought he’d feel sorry for me and do it), then just leave it and I’ll do it later.” He then had the nerve to say while looking at me square in the eyes, “Okay. I will leave it. And, what comes first- serving your family or others?” Can you believe he said that!?! THE NERVE! Well, I left because I had a meeting to go to and my point had been shot down.

Can I just tell you that on my way to my very important meeting; God, in the most loving way possible, knocked me down off my perch. It was quite a long fall because I had built it up pretty high- selfishness and pride tends to lift us up far above where we should be. I arrived at my meeting a little battered and bruised from my fall; or should I say knock out. But, that knock out needed to happen.

I came home to the same mess I left and to a husband who intentional left it that way to help me put things back into their proper perspective. Praise God for Godly husbands who desire the best for their crazy wives! He didn’t leave the kitchen a mess because he believes that’s only a woman’s job, but because God was using him as my iron sharpening tool for that lesson I needed to learn. So, as he played his Guitar Hero I sat in my room humbly before the Lord seeking His forgiveness, grace, and guidance for my busy schedule. I’m sure you guess what I’m doing today; I am spending the majority of my day today cleaning house and preparing a dinner that does not consist of nuggets and fries.

Was my point made through all my ramblings? Uh… NO! But God’s point was clearly made to me. What did God teach me through this knock out? He taught me how to love my husband more- how to serve my family better. Now, don’t get me wrong- God has called us each to different ministries outside of our homes, but our number one ministry is to love God with all our heart, then serve, with much love and respect, the families He’s blessed us with. After that, all else will fall in place where it should be.

“Let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33b

Putting our love for our husbands into practice:
Make a coupon book of love and acts of kindness that you can give your husband. He can cash in those coupons as he chooses. Include in your book things that are tailor made just for him; things that are going to make him feel special and loved by you. Include special acts of kindness to remind you of special things you can do for him. This can also be done for your children. Make today a day of much love for your precious hubby and kiddos.

Cover of my coupon book of love and acts of kindness book.

Some of my coupons: good for one bubble bath for two, good for one Saturday of sleeping in late, good for one Venti Triple Shot Carmel Macchiato upside down.

More coupons: good for one surprise date; good for one new book or cd; freebie- good for whatever you choose.

Some of my acts of kindness: brush your teeth in the morning so that you have fresh breath to kiss him good-bye; love his family.

More acts of kindness: get a babysitter for the night- meet him at work and take him to his favorite resturant, pray for your husband, leave a love note in his car for him to find the next morning.

I'd love to hear from all of you. What are you going to put in your book of love coupons and acts of kindness?

He is our Constant

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 10

He is Our Constant

* Pray. Ask God to give you an open heart and mind to learn new truths from His Word. Read Psalm 10 through three times. Record any thoughts or questions you have in your journal. If a verse stands out to you, write it on an index card and begin committing it to memory.

“The LORD is King forever and ever…”
Psalm 10:16a

The world around is changing every day. In fact, it changes every minute, every second. People change, relationships change, plans change, we change. Is there anything constant? Anything stable? Anything we can rely on? Absolutely! The LORD is King forever. In the midst of this whirlwind called life, God remains. He remains immovable, strong, and firm. In a storm, He is a tower; in a trial, He is a refuge. When we are hungry, He is the Bread of Life; when we are thirsty, He is the Living Water. When all is dark around us, He is the Light of the world; when the valleys are deep, He is the Shepherd who leads the way. When we’ve been rejected by others, He is right beside us; when are hearts are wounded, He heals all our pain. The LORD is; He has been in the past, is in the present, and will continue to be in the future. He is the LORD forever and ever.

Precious sister, rest in Him today knowing that HE WILL REMAIN when all else fades away.

Happy Valentine's Day

My Dearest Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28). For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28). I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I knit you together in your mother's womb(Psalm 139:13). And brought you forth on the day you were born(Psalm 71:6). I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16). And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1). Simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11). For I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17). For I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18). And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40). For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).

My Child, I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41). And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3). If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). For it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13). I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesian 3:20). For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11). One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4). And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4). I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23). For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). And to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23). And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39). Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15). My question is…Will you be my child (John 1:12-13)? I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).

With all My Love,

Your Daddy

(author unknown- received this in an email)

Invisible Mothers

Do you ever feel as though your job as a mom has little or no meaning at all? I received this email the other day and just have to share it with you all. It reminded me that our jobs as moms quite possibly could be the most important job we will ever tackle. We have the awesome responsibility and privilege of instilling in our children a passion and desire for the things of God. You may not be a mom right now, but I can guarantee you, God has placed someone in your life that you have the power to influence.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building agreat cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life; it is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving , 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' Thatwould mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
Proverbs 31:28

Praise Him in the Storms

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 9

Praise Him in the Storms

* Pray. Ask God to give you an open heart and mind to learn new truths from His Word. Read Psalm 9 through three times. Record any thoughts or questions you have in your journal. If a verse stands out to you, write it on an index card and begin committing it to memory.

Psalm 9 is a psalm of prayer and praise penned by David. David begins this Psalm with exuberant worship of the Lord. He says,

“I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1 & 2

As I sit here meditating over these verses, I can’t help but think about the kind of day I had yesterday. It was a difficult day. Two precious friends experienced very traumatic events in their lives. Events that, when we look at with humans eyes, we can’t help but ask why. Why God, did this happen? How are you supposed to pick up and move on after you’ve been deeply wounded? What in the world comes next? We trust in God. We hold tightly to His promise that His plans are meant to prosper us and not to harm us. We cling to the promise that He is a refuge in our times of troubles and that He absolutely does not forsake His children. We hold on to Him for dear life and we praise Him with all our heart. We shout from the mountain tops how great He is. We allow Him to fill our hearts with joy and gladness. And, we sing praises to His name.

Is it easy to praise God when you’re in pain- no, it’s not. Why? Because when we are in pain the waters around us are muddy and we can’t see the glory of the Lord shining through. That’s why it’s important for us to surround ourselves with believers who can grieve with us and intercede on our behalf. I heard Beth Moore say at a conference one time that there would be times in our lives when we would have a little extra faith to share with someone whose faith has just been shattered. When a friend’s faith has just been shattered, share some of yours with them. When they can’t muster the strength to praise the Lord, you praise Him for them. God is sovereign; He knows what’s best for us.

My precious sisters, I’m praising our Almighty God for you today. I’m grieving with you and interceding on your behalf. God will heal your broken heart and turn those muddy waters into crystal blue seas again. Cling to Him.

Praying Scripture back to the Lord
Father, give us Your strength today. Bless us with Your peace; a peace that surpasses all our understanding. Heal our hearts and set our feet upon the Rock. Turn our mourning into dancing so that we can once again lift our hands to You in praise. Put within our hearts and mouths a new song of praise to You. Hold us tightly in Your arms today. We love You!

Psalm 29:11; Psalm 30:2; Psalm 30:11