The psalmist says, “…the enemy has mistreated my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is OVERWHELMED within me; My heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I think on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah ANSWER ME SPEEDILY, O LORD; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear YOUR LOVINGKINDNESS in the morning, For IN YOU DO I TRUST; Cause me TO KNOW the way in which I should walk, For I LIFT UP MY SOUL TO YOU.” (Psa. 143:3-8) Sometimes life can really be a challenge AMY, we can face depressing times and when this happens, in comes the devil inspiring someone with their negative, discouraging feedback, to say discouraging words to us. Jesus says, “…if any of you causes one of these little ones who trusts in me TO LOSE THEIR FAITH, it would be better for you to have a rock tied to your neck and be thrown into the sea.” (Matt. 18:6)
“LORD, you have seen what is in my heart. You know ALL ABOUT ME. You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live. LORD, even before I speak a word, you know all about it. You are ALL AROUND ME. You are behind me and in front of me. YOU HOLD ME IN YOUR POWER.” (Psa. 139:1-5) The Lord has the ability to have a very personal, extremely intimate, relationship with each one of us individually! Lord, “You formed my inward parts; You covered me in MY MOTHER’S WOMB. I will praise You, for I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw MY SUBSTANCE, being yet UNFORMED. And in Your book THEY ALL WERE WRITTEN, The days fashioned for me, When as yet THERE WERE NONE OF THEM.” (Psa. 139:13-16) So I make this request to you OH LORD… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING.” (Psa. 139:23-24)
-Bill Stockham