Difficult Times
by Alan and Clarice Smith 28 April 2024
Life can be such a battle and I believe it’s like that for all of us now,
But we can and will get through it because God will show us how,
I’m sure that we’ve all come through before when we never thought we could,
So just keep on going, because what we believe is TRUE
And know that there are people all around us who are caring, and praying for us.
Psalm 56
Be merciful to me, my God for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Right in the middle of his fear and struggle, David changes gear. It is as if he says, somewhere deep in his soul, “I will choose to trust in God.” Twice in Psalm 56 David shifts from being fearful to expressing faith-filled and confident words. He decides to trust, even if his circumstances seem painful and hopeless.
There are moments when we need to make the choice to change the channel of our mind. At these times we deliberately choose to trust God no matter what our eyes see or our heart feels. At these times we decide that the best way to live is with confidence, peace and stability in God. When we make this decision, we reduce the intensity and ups and downs of the roller-coaster ride. We flatten out the hills. But we must know that living trustingly, expectantly, and optimistically requires a conscious choice to trust God.
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We pray
Heavenly Father, May we always bear fruit in our love for you and for each other.At the final harvest may we be gathered in to your heavenly vineyard to remain with you for ever.
We ask this under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the intercession of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen