Psalm 31

I woke this morn to a weary soul.  A soul that was weary with affliction and distress, with sighing and with tears of grief.

My soul is much reflected in the weather of this day.  One moment the clouds are dark and the rain is so relentless I can't see but a few feet.  But then other moments, as this moment is right now, the sunshine is so brilliant that I can see clearly and there is a beautiful peace.

Yet this morn began with a downpour and so I came.  I came and perched upon the window seat.  His sweatpants on and his sweatshirt wrapped around me.  A little blanket to cover my toes.  I came with a heart of affliction and I came with eyes heavy in their grief.  And I sat with Him.

"Come all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you REST"

And I turned to pray over my husband the Psalm chosen for this season of our lives, psalm 31.  And I saw how perfectly this psalm coincides with my soul, for the psalm ebbs and flows, back and forth from lament to praises.  This psalm gave voice to my wearied soul and I found mercy, just for this day, for He has known my affliction and the distress of my soul.

And so I left this place, feet to the ground and stepped into the morning.  Rested.  Strengthened in His Word.  A precious babe to nurture and the dearest husband for whom to ceaselessly pray.  My Mama to gather at the airport and my family in Canada with whom we celebrate this day of their Graduation.  And I will, just for today, for today is all that He asks me to do, today I will Be strong and I will indeed let my heart take courage, as I wait.

Will you join us in praying this psalm over my dear husband and his platoon?

Psalm 31

In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.  Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my roc of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.  Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.  Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.  Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord.  I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.  You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.  My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.  Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends- those who see m eon the street flee from me.  I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.  For I hear the sander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Let you face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.  Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I have cried out to you; ut let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.  Let their lying lips be silences, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.  In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.  

Praise be to the Lord for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.  In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!"  yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

Love the Lord, all his saints!  The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.