Good morning, Lord!
Your Word, O precious Father, tells me that You "keep me as the apple of Your eye [and] hide me in the shadow of Your wings," according to Psalm 17:8, NIV.
A very troubled David, based on Psalm 46:1, informs me that You are indeed "my refuge and strength, [my] ever present help in trouble," O Holy Spirit.
Yes, Lord.
I hear You.
Yet Mr. Trouble is a persistent knocker and a sly intruder. He not only knocks on my door but he threatens to make of my heart his home. For a very long time, Mr. Trouble kept my pen away from this blog -- one that is intended to help me write my way to Your well of remembrance where daily mercies await. Though I took a break from this blog to work on a writing project for a significant publisher, it became clear to me toward the end of the academic year that my heart and body were too weary from the attacks of Mr. Trouble to continue -- and so, I declined that offer. Health concerns for myself and other relatives also distracted me from You, from the Word, from prayer, from a heart full of gratitude, from so many blessings You had in store for me . . .
" . . . my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." -- Psalm 73:2, NIV
Thankfully, You and I both know that "though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more." -- Psalm 71:20-21, NIV
So, today, I am grateful.
I choose thankfulness from the depths of my heart.
I thank You because, even when I cannot see or comprehend it, I know You "surround me with Your favor as with a shield" (Psalm 5:12b, NIV).
I thank You because You "will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. [You] will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. [You] will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in [Your] sight." -- Psalm 72:12-14, NIV
I come to You today.
I return to Your well which never runs dry.
I thank You, O Lord, my refuge and my strength!
