Courage #9—Encouraged Praise

If I say, “My foot is slipping,” you sustain me, O Eternal, with your extravagant kindness. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:18–19

O Lord, I have often felt like Jehoshaphat when he prayed before battle with the armies of Ammon and Moab, “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 and delighted my soul by powerfully working on my behalf as you did for him. 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 situations that seemed the most 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 overcame every anxious thought, making it truly possible to be anxious for nothing. Who is like you, O Lord? There is no Rock besides you; no Creator, Redeemer, Defender, Protector. You have proved yourself repeatedly as the only sovereign source of security and stability and satisfaction in a changing and uncertain world. Regardless of the dangers along my way, you are always watching over me. Even when my foot slips, you enable me to regain my balance and take another step along your path to joy. Though I stumble as I follow Jesus in the obedience of faith, I will not collapse in a heap, for you hold my hand and keep me from catastrophe.