All I Ever Need – Psalm 73:26

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

Psalm 73 is a psalm of lament written by Asaph. He felt bitter and unhappy because he saw the wicked prospering.

2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3 For I envied the proud
when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Psalm 73: 2-3 (NLT)

He tried but couldn’t understand God’s ways; until he went into God’s sanctuary.

16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
But what a difficult task it is!
17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Psalm 73: 16-17 (NLT)

Asaph then realized that wickedness and evil have consequences. Earthly life ends, and eternal judgment awaits. He realizes that trust in God is paramount. That God is his portion, his source of happiness. That God is the strength of his heart, the rock of his heart. He realizes that God is his and our’s forever. God is all we ever need. He is our salvation. ⁂

When you face difficulties, do you trust in God, understanding He is all you ever need?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, teach us to come to you with our problems and concerns. Help us to grow in faith and realize You are in control. Let us embrace Your strength, realizing You are all we ever need. Like the sunflowers turn toward the sun and shine with light; let us turn to You and shine Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Our Refuge: Psalm 9:9-10

⁹The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
¹⁰Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you
Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV)

God, our Heavenly Father, is our stronghold in times of trouble. A stronghold is defined as a well-fortified place of protection against attack. God is a refuge for the oppressed, the poor, the needy, those without power, and for protection from evil. He is our refuge and stronghold.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1(NLT)

Our God is faithful; He keeps His promises. Seek Him, for He is good; He will not forsake you. He is worthy of your confidence and trust. He is your help in times of trouble, your refuge; you can rely on Him.

9-10 God’s a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you’re never sorry you knocked.
Psalm 9:9-10 (MSG) ⁂

God is our refuge and our strength. In times of trouble, is your first response to turn to God?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our stronghold and refuge during difficult times. Help us to grow in faith, seek You, and trust You. Teach us to reach out to You in trust knowing you will never forsake us. Like the allium flowers spiral out in all directions, your love spirals out, surrounding us; You are our stronghold, our hope. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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His Strength: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT)

This verse in 1 Chronicles is also in Psalm 105:4, David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving. He wrote this verse to celebrate the return of the Ark of the Covenant. To remind everyone of the importance of seeking the Lord and having a relationship with Him. We need to search for Him and listen to His way, not seeking our path but following His path for us. Our strength is found in the Lord; He is our hope, grace, and salvation. When our world is complicated and confusing, we can find strength like David did through our relationship with our Lord. Always search for the Lord and seek His strength. ⁘

When you are overwhelmed and confused, is your first response to seek the Lord’s strength?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we come to you in praise and thanksgiving. Teach us to follow Your ways and seek You. Lord, when we are overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do, let us ask for Your guidance. Like the zinnia blossoms, seek the sun; Lord, let us seek You and Your strength. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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Our Strength: Psalm 37:39

39But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
Psalm 37:39-40 (NKJV)

In this verse, David recounts how God’s strength was his refuge. During times of trouble, while his enemies were after him trying to kill him, the Lord protected and rescued David.
Verse 39 states that the Lord offers salvation to the righteous. He is our strength during times of trouble; He will deliver us and save us. Salvation is from the Lord. He helps us bear burdens, takes our worries, and gives us peace. Our job is to love and trust the Lord following His path for us. God saves those who trust in Him. ⁘

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

When times are overwhelming, where do you put your trust? Do you rely on your wits or God’s strength?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and protection. Teach us to turn to you during troubled times; you are our strength. Help us to embrace Your wisdom and follow Your path. Like the rhododendron branches support the flowers, lifting them toward sunlight, let us lean on Your strength and spread Your Son-light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺