“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts [consolations] delight my soul” (Psalm 94:10).
Dear Praying Friends:
Sometimes our anxieties, worries, and fears threaten to overwhelm us. They are too many, too powerful, and they seem to come from all directions at once. We say with the psalmist, "The floods have lifted up their voice, the floods lift up their waves” with a “voice [sound] of many waters . . . [like] the mighty waves of the sea” (Psalm 93:3).
But, as we think about the comforts of God, we realize that “the LORD on high is mightier” than all these terrible storms. And we take delight in his consolations.
What are these comforts? They include the consolations that come to us through worship, Christian music (see attached song), and God’s people. Their company brings us delight and refreshes our hearts. But sometimes even our closest friends and family cannot calm us in the midst of the storm. Then, we take not only comfort, but delight, in the presence of God and his promises – of pardon; provision; protection; his plan to make us holy, like Christ; his power and pity; and more.
Today, as I walked along the perimeter of the park near our house, I began making just a bare mental list of some of these, and soon I was overcome with delight and began to chuckle with joy. Looking at the trees and the sky, and then at the new flowers in our front yard, only added to my happiness.
Now, you know by now that I am more like Eeyore than Tigger. I have a melancholic personality. I am tempted to focus on the significant challenges that face me as I begin a new week, but God redirected my attention to himself and his manifold goodness and gifts to us, so I greeted fellow walkers cheerfully and even with gusto.
“If I say, ‘My foot slips,’ Your mercy [lovingkindness], O LORD, will hold me up” Psalm 94:18).
Yours in his protection, power, and providential care,
Wright
Here is the song, “Eye of the Storm” for your enjoyment today.