Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely.
Psalm 63:7-8, NLT*
I’ve been reading this psalm daily for a few weeks now, and although it’s short, it’s powerful. David is longing for God, and he’s aware of his enemies pressing in, yet the verses overflow with words like praise and joy and sing. He has his faith perspective in place.
I know about pressing through in prayer, bringing God our fears and troubles. Leaving those troubles with Him. Praying until it becomes about Him rather than about us. Until we’re worshipping. Praising.
I don’t do it nearly as often as I should.
That’s what David’s doing here. He hasn’t forgotten the desert or his enemies’ plots. He’s not denying or ignoring them.
But he sees God. He knows God is enough.
He’s not perching timidly in the shadow of God’s wings, trembling in that strong hand because the danger might snatch him away. He has no thought that God might drop him or fail to protect him.
Our God, You are strong and mighty to save. You are our strong tower, our refuge, our shelter and our Defender. You are our Good Shepherd. We know the words, but so often we don’t act like we believe them. We run to You and keep watching our troubles as if they might break through Your defenses. Faith tells us that can’t happen. Help us listen and be confident in You.
∞
The classic Newsboys worship song, “Strong Tower,” is a good confidence-builder.
*New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
What a powerful post, Janet.
Yes praising, worshipping, trusting in Him totally through all trials. So happy that the most recent trial of ours is finished.
We all got through by focusing on each day, counting our blessings and living as though there was not a trial at all. But thankful at the end it is over.
May the Lord continue to build you up in your praise, in your worship and in your prayer.
And Strong Tower is a favourite of mine.
Blessings,
Jan
Oh that is a different Strong Tower. Good. But I like the Lord is a Strong Tower – with all the actions – but that’s me. :)
Don’t think I know that one. I know the Newsboys’ Strong Tower, and I think it’s Kutless’ Strong Tower. The reminder of who God is is so encouraging.
God is so faithful, but sometimes all we want is to be done with the trials. Even though He grows us in them and deepens our faith. I’m glad He’s our strong tower.
Love this declaration, Janet, and I want the way I live to match the promises.
Amen!