We all face discouragement from time to time, whether we measure by finances, achievements, relationships, or quality of life. For example, several musical groups I heard yesterday at the Music Performance Assessments for our school district may have expected superior ratings, and received excellences. Or, the financial markets this morning may have appreciated better numbers in the inflation reports. Or, some lady out there might have expected a romantic evening or a diamond for Valentine’s day and is facing disappointment.
We know God is sovereign, right? He knew Jesus would face disappointment. He modeled for us how to handle poverty, misunderstandings, betrayal, and, although innocent, a charge guilty unto death. His disciples thought He was the King who would overthrow the crippling Roman grip on them. Perhaps, even, He could heal everyone from their diseases and foster positive interaction among the facets of Jewish society and say, the Samaritans. They were left to spread the Gospel message after His ascension into heaven.
It seems they did a good job of it. The gospel is now spread to practically every tribe, nation, people, and language. God saw to that. And in recent days, we see signs of revival led by our young people on college campuses. Hallelujan!
My Lenten Psalm today is title Discouragement. May it help you face yours. Feel free to share it with others who need its message this third day of Lent when we are reflecting on the status of our spiritual health.
MY PSALM 302 DISCOURAGEMENT
Almighty Father, You who created me,
You know me all too well.
When I am discouraged,
Bound by emotions which drain my energy
And sap my strength,
I pray deliverance.
When life’s struggles become burdensome,
When I see the dark skies and feel overwhelmed,
When death and disasters are clouds on my mind
And the pain of sin overtakes my soul,
I pray deliverance.
When I read in Psalms that David felt depression,
I find strength and comfort in his acknowledgment
Of You, His source of strength and confidence.
It blesses me to know I too can call upon Your Name.
I pray for deliverance.
When I discover once more
The refreshment of Your Presence,
Of the words you speak through Scripture,
Or the hug of a friend You’ve sent to me,
Or the encouragement of acts of kindness,
Or the sunshine flooding my spirit,
I recognize Your deliverance.
With my whole being, I thank You for once more,
Telling my thirsty soul
That You are my Rock,
You are my salvation,
You are my everything.
What would I do in this life
Without Your Presence?
I fall on my knees in praise
For Jesus who showed me His Father,
You, merciful Father, Who adopts me as Your child.
Where would I be if I could not call You,
Abba, Father?
I know You as my Shepherd when I often stray.
I know You as the Lamp, the Light, that I may not stumble.
I know You as the Source of all that is good in this life.
I know You as the unfailing Rudder of my ship.
I know You as the Giver of all good gifts,
And I know You as my only Savior
And my blessed Deliverer. Amen.
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