(A personal psalm)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord gives grace and glory;
He does not withhold the good
From those who live with integrity.
–Psalm 84:11-12 HCSB
I praise you, O God, that you are the Sun of my life (Psalm 84:11a), sustaining me in body, mind, and spirit, lighting my way with infallible dependability.
Just as the magnetic force of the sun keeps the planets in orbit around it, you keep me within the orbit of your love and care.
Like the sun you are my ever-present, never-changing source of power, enabling me to grow into your radiant likeness, day by day.
Even when menacing clouds of despair or discouragement roll in, your splendorous Light breaks through with encouragement, hope, and strength.
I praise you, O Lord, for being a shield around me (v. 11a)—a living shield that is always present, always on guard, and always ready to act.
Through the fiercest storms of life, you are a refuge, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).
You have protected me from what I thought I wanted, life choices that would have led me down treacherous paths.
And with the truth of your Word, you’ve deflected the poisoned arrows of hurtful thoughts and harmful lies.
Evidence abounds every day of your loving benevolence, as you not only meet my needs but graciously supply surprise blessings far beyond necessity.
Throughout my life I’ve seen evidence of your gracious provision: financial obligations met when funds ran low, impossibly long to-do lists shortened by cancellations and changes of plans, difficult circumstances resolved.
Even though I may walk through dark valleys of illness, trial, or tragedy, I know you will pour grace into my soul, enabling me to endure.
I praise you, O God, that you do not withhold even one good thing from those who live with integrity (v. 11c).
It’s so easy to become focused on material things, even though we know that a full closet, a garage of gadgets, and a large bank account offer fleeting satisfaction at best.
Instead, your priority, Father, is providing the good things of eternal value. You never withhold your quieting peace or soul-drenching joy, the delight of your calming presence, your perpetual strength to persevere, or the exhilarating hope of eternal life.
These good things and more are always available to those who trust in you.
Heavenly Father, when trouble invades my life remind me that:
- My vision of what’s good is severely limited (Romans 11:33-36).
- Your ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- You accomplish monumental purpose through the meanest of circumstance (Romans 8:28).
- The perseverance to navigate a hard road will one day be lavishly rewarded (James 1:12).
I praise you, Almighty God, for each good thing you bring my way, each blessing mentioned here and countless more unmentioned.
Now may complete trust and enthusiastic obedience be my gifts to you.
(Art & photo credits: www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.dailyverses.net (2).
From the Inside Out 