Courage #9 — Encouraged Praise

If the Eternal had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in silence. If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” your lovingkindness, O Eternal, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:17-19

O Lord, how often have I felt like Jehoshaphat in face of the armies of Ammon and Moab, when he cried, “We are powerless before this great multitude, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” And how often you have consoled my soul by powerfully working on my behalf. Thank you for the memory of Scripture in which I see evidence of your loving salvation in situations far worse than mine. Thank you for bringing to mind the countless times you have filled my cup to overflowing and spread a table before me in the presence of my enemies. In the situations which seemed absolutely hopeless, you gave me reason to sing: “Fresh courage take; the clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break with blessings on your head!” The surprises of your mercy overcomes my anxious thoughts. The appropriateness of your well-timed grace anchors my drifting faith. Who is like you, O Lord? There is no Rock besides you; no Creator, Redeemer, Defender, Protector, who has proved himself repeatedly as the only sovereign source of security and stability and satisfaction in a changing and uncertain world. Amen.