Be My Helper (Psalm 30:6-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 30:6-10

Many, many times, I have echoed the words of one of today's verses: "Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!"

I've written over the last couple days of how I'd love to be healed of my earthly afflictions. I would love to have no pain. I would love to have energy. I would love not to be so very, very weary.

Yet, at least for now, God's answer to my prayer for healing is, "Trust Me, my child. Rely on Me for your daily strength." Many mornings, I wake up and ask Jesus to hold my hand more tightly, giving me just enough strength for that day. (Chronic health issues do certainly make a person live just one day at a time!)

I do cry out for God's mercy and help, and He answers that prayer ... every time.

I wrote not too long ago about how I sometimes have the privilege of performing with a small faith-based community theater and how God often supernaturally carries me through my time on stage. I am still be fighting some weird sinus thing, and my daily pain has been more than usual. Yet, this past weekend, I cried out for God's mercy and help, and again, He brought me through each performance.

I'm sure I've written this before, but it bears repeating: God always, always answers our prayers when we pray for His will and purpose. In my case, His purpose seems to include my poor health. Yet, even on the most difficult days, I know I can cry out for His mercy and help, and He will answer that prayer ... with a resounding, "Yes!"

Our Refuge (Psalm 38:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:8

The last few weeks have been a bit rough ... good, but rough. I'm in another play, which I love. I had the opportunity to speak at three events. I have a full course-load (teaching exclusively online now).

However, I had a three-week "perfect storm": Because of technical problems at work, assignments piled up, and questions and confusion from my students abounded. Then there was tech week and opening weekend for the play. And, of course, fitting in those three wonderful events.

I was beyond weary ...

Praise God, I found my refuge in Him, and I was indeed blessed. He is so good! I'll admit, more days than usual had me asking for supernatural strength. Jesus held my hand and walked alongside me ... and carried me more often than not.

Another of my favorite verses about God's being my refuge is Psalm 46:1:

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

A very present help ... I have all confidence that God is with me ... always. When I have difficult times, He gives me peace and strength. When I'm rejoicing, He's rejoicing along with me.

He invites me—and you—to crawl onto His lap and seek refuge in His arms.

He really is good!

Deliverance (Psalm 40:13-15)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:13-15

Although today's scripture covers three verses, I'm focusing on just the first of the three. Verses 14 and 15 deal with those who were "seek[ing] to destroy [the psalmist's] life," which is something that most of us don't experience. However, we have cried out for deliverance. From pain. From trials. From failing relationships. From financial difficulties.

We often need God's deliverance, and as The Message paraphrases, His intervention.

While I don't feel attacked by human enemies or those "who wish me evil," I do know I'm in a battle. I know the enemy of my soul wants to drag me down and doubt God's love for me. Chronic pain can do that. It can make me want to give up. My health has been worse than "normal" lately. An over-flowing "plate" has brought unusual stress (good stress, but stress all the same), and that stress has caused fatigue and extreme pain. More than once, I have cried out.

I have echoed the New Living Translation's interpretation, "Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me." On those days when I feel alone, I may use words closer to the Contemporary English Version's, "Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me!"

Although God doesn't remove the pain, He does remind me of His loving presence. He does give me enough strength to accomplish what I need to ... if just for that moment or that day. He does "show that [He] care[s] ..." He does help me.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, then cry out to God. Cry for His rescue, for His strength, for His help. He will hear you, and He will answer.