When we think of restoring our souls, whether we’re just tired, not as attentive the the Word as we’d like to be, or bowed down in discouragement because of events occurring around us and to us, discouragement is a fact of life. As we strive for sanctification, the words of everything is find when we walk with Jesus sometimes sound jarring to us if we are in the throes of difficulty. We cannot, I suggest, be on mountaintops all the time, much as we would like that kind of exhilaration. There are times when “cheer up” is the last bit of jolly cheerleading we’d like to hear when we are weighted down by life events or news items or worry over finances, or any of hundreds of other things that happen in this mortal life.
It is wonderful to go to scripture to find the hundreds of references to casting burdens on the Lord, or hopeful and truthful Psalms that remind us that God is indeed our refuge and bears our burdens. Life is tough sometimes.
I hope My Psalm 303 is a place of refuge for you today, and if you will, share it with a friend you know who is facing life’s difficulties today. Spread the word that this discouragement is temporary, and if not, share your burdens with someone who knows Jesus and can help you deal with difficulties. There should be no “lone ranger” Christians who always have their “acts” together. Be in Christian community and see how helpful it is for the giver an receiver, both of whom can be blessed with a few reminders like mine.
Remember, my personal psalms do not substitute for the book of Psalms or other scriptures. They’re just personal prayers that hopefully will speak to others and help Restore Your Soul.
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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