(a personalized psalm, based on Psalm 143)
O Lord, we are in serious trouble as a nation. Selfish gain and a lust for power have taken precedence over the common good. E pluribus unum is deteriorating into tribalism; “In God We Trust” is being replaced by “In US We Trust.”
Have mercy upon us, O God! Our arch enemy Satan is wreaking havoc across our land; numerous problems vie for attention. Among them: soaring crime rates in our cities, increasing drug addiction and homelessness, failing schools, mounting national debt, escalating inflation, and threats to our national security.
If I focus on these monumental problems, my spirit is overwhelmed, my heart overcome with dismay (2).
BUT! THIS I KNOW:
You are a faithful God who never leaves his children to fend for themselves. You never forget, never fail, and never falter (3).
I KNOW you are a righteous God of complete integrity and consistency, always acting in accordance to the perfections of your character, always at the right time.
I KNOW you are a reliable God. Scripture, history, the lives of present-day saints, and events in my own life provide countless examples of your miraculous care for your children. As I consider all your hands have accomplished my spirit is lifted, my faith increased.
There is no trouble so great, no situation so hopeless that you cannot resolve it. If you do not provide rescue, you supply ample strength and courage to endure. Even more wondrous, during times of distress you grant heightened awareness of your glorious presence, your infinite peace, and radiant joy.
Therefore, I not only cry out for rescue from ruin; I cry out for you. Like a little child who raises her hands for a loved one to pick her up and hold her close, I desire intimacy with you, the only One who can help me and keep me from falling (4).
I KNOW you are a loving God of never-failing devotion. I can trust you for guidance and support, whatever the future holds. And as I bask in the warmth of your lavish love, anxiety and fear will melt away. Your love is active, seeking my good more than my pleasure, working toward my divine transformation more than my comfort. And as your wisdom grows within me, I see the supreme value of the former over the latter.
I KNOW you are my God. I’m in awe that you, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, are my Heavenly Father! You are the almighty One leading everything to the conclusion you ordained before time began–by the same power, wisdom, and love with which you made it (4). Yet in spite of that power, in spite of your perfection and majestic glory, you desire to be my constant Companion and Friend.
So I humbly ask:
Hear me as I pray (v. 1).
Show me the way I should go (v. 8).
Hide me in you (v. 9).
Teach me and lead me (v. 10).
Bring me out of trouble and into the shelter of your refuge (v. 11; Psalm 46:1-3).
For America I pray we’d corporately look to you for the way we should go. Bring us out of our troubles and rescue us from our enemies, including those that war within the spirit. Preserve us, I pray (vs. 9, 11).
Amen.
Notes:
- Psalm 143:4 AMP and HCSB
- A. W. Pink
- Psalm 54:4 CEV
- Julian of Norwich
Photo credits: http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.depositphotos.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.pixabaycom; http://www.dailyverses.net (3); http://www.wikimedia.com.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, I was just working on the message for October 14th. The topic is PEACE. The little saying you included about “God’s peace is joy waiting. His joy is peace dancing” will be a perfect addition to my devotion. Beautiful and timely message. Thank you.
And thank you, Ruth. How delightful that quote was applicable to your devotion! LOVE it!
Amen!
Thank you for stopping by, Vickie!
Oh, how you’ve echoed the prayers that are in my heart on a daily basis, Nancy, and so beautifully elaborated on Psalm 143. My husband and I were just discussing the state of our country today, praying that God would intervene, that those who worship power would be dethroned, that we can, as a nation, once again place our hope, trust and faith in Jesus, the only one who can save.
“If my people called by my name . . .” Let us never stop praying!
Blessings!
Amen, Martha! It’s always encouraging to hear that others are praying also.
Thank you very much for sharing such a blessed post .The Lord will certainly resolve the problems of your Nation.He cannot turn down the prayers of his beloved ones .Your prayers and faith are sufficient for you to live a happy,prosperous and pious life.God bless .Take care.🌹🙏😊
Thank you, Francis–I appreciate your encouragement. God has provided much happiness and prosperity of soul in my life, for which I am greatly thankful!
My pleasure.🌹😊🙏
Glad your back and up and running. I liked what you said about God giving us strength for whatever happens. I would prefer that he take out the leaders or turn their hearts toward him. We do know that there were a lot of evil leaders in the OT and God worked through Daniel and others.
That’s often part of my prayers for America, that God would work his will, even through leaders who do not know him. King Artaxerxes comes to mind as an example, when he allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, though, if more of our leaders turned to Jesus and sought God for wisdom in their decisions!
Nancy, It sure would be nice to see a real revival that was not man made.
Thanks for the notes. One day I will get used to the word blog… sounds too much like blob. Oh well, thanks for your blog writings.
Sam
Had to smile at your observation that “blog” sounds too much like “blob!” In a way you are not far from truth: almost always as I start to draft a post, it feels like a worthless blob! And now you’ve got me wondering: Where did the word “blog” come from anyway? I’ll have to look that up!
Nancy, Did you ever come up where Blog got started.
Sam
Just looked it up–interesting evolution of the term, from web-log to blog!
Yep, so blog it is Nancy. 😀 Makes sense now.
Sam
We must keep our eyes and heart focused on Him so we can endure!!!❤️Great encouraging post!
Amen, Alicia. We do need to prepare ourselves, in case we must “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6), as many have before us. Praise God, he WILL equip us to endure as you said!
equip …I love that word, even have a tattoo for it😬it holds valuable meaning for me based off of 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We are equipped and prepared when we remain close to Him!
Though I know others with tattoos, I don’t think any of them include the word “equip.” A worthy choice for a permanent reminder! “Equip” might be worthy of a word-for-the-year too.
Yes very true! It’s such a good reminder of how God provides in every way we need.
The Spurgeon quote jumped right out at me.
Meanwhile, you’re the WINNER of the Homespun Devotions giveaway! Please be in touch and let me know your address!
Bless you, Nancy!
Wow–fantastic news! How may I best be in touch with you? To respond on your blog would be rather public. I looked for an email address where you can be reached but didn’t find one. My email address is: nancyaruegg@gmail.com.
wonderful words of promise and focus on God!
Thank you, Jean–praising God here for his inspiration!
This is so good, Nancy. Loved all the scripture references. So encouraging.
Thank you, Mary. It’s a delight for me to provide encouragement for you. Praise God for the way he inspires and augments my paltry efforts!
What a beautiful prayer, Nancy. I join you in praying for our nation and for each other. Yes, Lord have mercy!
Thank you for joining me in prayer, Lisa. I expect there are millions of us praying!
I hope you’re right, Nancy. I think of Abraham’s praying for Sodom and asking God if He would spare the city for the sake of 20 righteous people, and apparently there weren’t even that many. We can’t change everyone in America, but with God’s help we can be salt and light.
Oh, this brought me to tears; the Holy Spirit led me to read this at just the perfect time. It is beautiful in every way and gives hope to this weary one. I will return to this very often when I’m feeling discouraged. I just read a devotional about God being everywhere and this ties in very well. This portion (“You are a faithful God who never leaves his children to fend for themselves. You never forget, never fail, and never falter.”) gives me reassurance in many, many ways. Thank you for this!
Hallelujah for God’s timing, Cheri. It warms my heart BIG time that this post ministered to you!
So grateful to read these words today. Thank you for this heart-cry of our times, Nancy. I’m thinking of an old chorus Jack Hayford set to music from the scriptures: “Ah, Lord God, ah, Lord God! Behold thou hast made heaven and earth, by the great power and outstretched hand; there is nothing to hard for thee. There is nothing too hard for thee.”
AMEN–nothing is impossible for our God! I’ve been thinking about the four Great Awakenings our country has experienced before. He could most certainly do it again!
AWESOME adaptation! I am agreement with this with all my brothers and sisters who also breathe it as a prayer! Amen and AMEN! 🙏💗🙏
Thank you, Roland. It’s encouraging to know that others are also praying!
Thank you! If each of us could just focus on the power of prayers such as this one, perhaps we could focus better on the healing work He looks for from each of us. Your words elicit positive energy spun from negative events. Wonderfully comforting.
Yes, Dave it was a very srong prayer. Comforting, if we can prayer with at least three people, it would be great to see the changes God can do
Sam
So glad you found comfort in these words, Dave. Praise God!
Praying every day that our leaders (and citizens) will turn to the Lord. He is our only hope.
Amen, Annie. You are so right. We need another Great Awakening!
God hears our every prayer! He hears the prayers we whisper in the silence of our hearts. Praise God….as scripture promises, His mercy is everlasting! Thank you for posting such an inspiring post…
Amen and you’re welcome, Linda. I’m praising God you’ve found inspiration here!