I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” In my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:10-13) Do Optimists Live Longer? Faith in God (Father, …
Rest in the Lord
Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:7-9) A Sweeter Song Ancient Greek sailors faced many perils at sea and this was reflected …
Love for God Should Drive Us
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2) Success in Running and Life Jess Movold is a runner and coach in New York City. In a 2020 interview, she discussed principles for successful running …
I’ll Hasten to His Throne
I love the Lord. He heard my cries, And pitied every groan. Long as I live, when troubles rise, I’ll hasten to His throne. (From a poem and hymn by Isaac Watts) Richard Smallwood Richard Smallwood is an American gospel composer, music director, and arranger. He has won many awards and his songs have been translated into Korean, German, Hebrew, …
United Praying in Troubling Times
An Illustration from World War II In 1939, German warplanes began bombing London and the government feared that societal chaos would follow. Would civilians be ready for the trauma and horrors to come? How would they cope if life as they knew it was overturned? How would they grapple with the nightly threat of injury or death? Would they riot, …
The Lord Opened Lydia’s Heart
Outside the city of Philippi, the apostles sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered at a place of prayer. One of those listening was named Lydia. She was a worshiper of God and the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message….Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation: The …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 3)
Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword cannot. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth can disconnect us from our Lord. No, in all these …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 2)
You have rejected and humbled us…and our adversaries have plundered us….You have scattered us among the nations….I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame. (Psalm 44:9-16 portion) The Blues and the Psalms Blues music originated in the Deep South of the United States in the 19th century by African-Americans building on work songs and …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love. (Psalm 44:23-26) Psalm 44 doesn’t have a happy ending. Sometimes …
Praying Together
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always….Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” (1 Chronicles 16:11, 34-35) United in and by …